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Plant-based foods and diets have become increasingly popular. Some people may be confused about the difference between being vegan and eating a plant-based diet.
Perhaps the key difference is that veganism includes avoiding animal products of all kinds, including clothing, while plant-based usually refers to diet only.
Keep reading to learn more about the differences between veganism and plant-based diets. This article also provides some key information on other diets based on plant foods, discussing their potential benefits to health and the environment.
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There are differences between being vegan and eating a plant-based diet. The following table highlights the main principles of each:
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The following sections will explain the differences in more detail.
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Being vegan is a philosophy and way of living. The Vegan Society of the United Kingdom defines veganism as follows:
“Veganism is a philosophy and way of living [that] seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practicable — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
Although different people embrace vegan living to different extents, in practical terms, being vegan means avoiding the following:
animal foods, such as meat, fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, and honey
food additives and ingredients that manufacturers derive from animals, such as gelatin, beeswax, and cochineal
clothing or goods that manufacturers make from animal skins, such as leather, suede, fur, and wool
clothing or goods that manufacturers make from feathers, such as down
clothing or goods that manufacturers make by exploiting animals, such as silk
zoos, circuses, aquariums, and other uses of animals for entertainment
products or ingredients that manufacturers have tested in animals
Some vegans also choose to avoid palm oil, as they argue that manufacturers destroy habitats to extract it, which causes suffering in animals. Some vegans also avoid purchasing from or supporting companies or charities that use animal testing or exploit animals.
It is important to note that using the term “vegan” to describe oneself denotes adhering to this lifestyle. People who avoid eating animal products but who do not choose to be strict about other lifestyle choices sometimes refer to themselves as eating a vegan diet rather than being vegan.
Although vegans have an ethical stance in common, their actual diets may vary.
For example, some vegans choose to eat whole foods and avoid processed foods. Others choose to include vegan “junk foods,” such as burgers or sausages made from plant-based ingredients, in the diet.
Others still have a more balanced approach, including occasional processed foods but mainly eating whole foods.
Of course neither vegan nor plant base means better or health for you. Although eating more vegetables and fruits is better than eating more meat. Nonetheless, these fruits and vegetables should be whole. In other words, they should not be processed i.e. a whole apple rather than apple chips. Are you vegan? Have you considered being vegan? Why or why not? Learn more about being vegan here.
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