Vegan vs Vegetarian: What's the Actual Difference?
Vegetarians don't eat meat (including fish, for most definitions), but may eat animal products like dairy and eggs. Vegans exclude all animal-derived products — no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey — and typically extend this to lifestyle choices (no leather, wool, etc.). All vegans are vegetarian; not all vegetarians are vegan.
Vegetarian and vegan are related terms but describe different levels of animal product exclusion. Both diets exclude meat, but vegetarians typically continue to eat some animal-derived foods (dairy, eggs, sometimes fish) while vegans exclude all animal products. The distinction matters for nutrition, meal planning, and understanding what people can and cannot eat at a shared table.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Vegetarian | Vegan |
|---|---|---|
| Meat (beef, pork, poultry) | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded |
| Fish and seafood | ❌ Excluded (for most) / ✅ Pescatarians include fish | ❌ Excluded |
| Dairy (milk, cheese, butter) | ✅ Allowed (lacto-vegetarian) | ❌ Excluded |
| Eggs | ✅ Allowed (ovo-vegetarian) | ❌ Excluded |
| Honey | ✅ Usually allowed | ❌ Typically excluded |
| Gelatin / rennet | Often avoided (animal-derived), sometimes overlooked | ❌ Excluded |
| Non-food animal products (leather, wool, silk) | No specific exclusion | ❌ Typically excluded (lifestyle choice) |
Types of Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism is not a single diet — it's a spectrum. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat dairy and eggs but no meat or fish (most common). Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy but not eggs. Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs but not dairy. Pescatarians eat fish but no other meat (technically not strictly vegetarian by most definitions). Flexitarians primarily follow a plant-based diet but occasionally eat meat. Semi-vegetarians reduce but don't eliminate meat. The broadest definition — excluding red meat and poultry but including fish and dairy — is common in casual usage but is contested among committed vegetarians.
Veganism: Beyond Diet
Veganism is typically defined more comprehensively than a dietary choice. The Vegan Society, which coined the term in 1944, defines veganism as 'a philosophy and way of living which 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.' This extends the principle beyond diet to avoid leather, wool, silk, down, and products tested on animals. The word 'practicable' is important in the definition: veganism acknowledges that complete avoidance of all animal products is impossible in modern industrial society (tyres, road surfaces, and many medicines contain animal-derived ingredients), but frames the goal as minimising animal exploitation to the extent possible.
Nutritional Considerations
Both vegetarian and vegan diets, well-planned, can meet all nutritional needs. The key nutrients requiring attention: Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products — vegans and some vegetarians should supplement or eat fortified foods. Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) are most bioavailable from oily fish; vegans should use algae-derived DHA/EPA supplements (the original source of omega-3s in fish). Iron from plant sources (non-haem iron) is less bioavailable than haem iron from meat; eating vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich plant foods improves absorption. Calcium is easily obtained from dairy (for vegetarians) or fortified plant milks, tofu, and leafy greens (for vegans). Zinc, iodine, and selenium may need attention in vegan diets without fortified foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between vegetarian and vegan?
Vegetarians exclude meat but may eat dairy and eggs. Vegans exclude all animal-derived products including dairy, eggs, and honey, and typically extend this to lifestyle choices like avoiding leather and wool.
Is a pescatarian the same as a vegetarian?
No, by most definitions. Pescatarians eat fish, which is animal flesh. Some vegetarians use the term loosely to include pescatarians, but strictly speaking, a pescatarian is not vegetarian.
Can vegans eat honey?
Most vegans avoid honey, as it is produced by bees (animals). This is a point of debate — some argue the ethical concern about bee exploitation is different from other animal products. The Vegan Society excludes honey in its definition.
Do vegetarians or vegans get enough protein?
Yes, with adequate planning. Plant protein sources include legumes (beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh), whole grains, nuts, seeds, and for vegetarians, eggs and dairy. Eating a varied diet naturally provides all essential amino acids.
What nutrients need attention on a vegan diet?
Vitamin B12 (supplement or fortified foods — found almost exclusively in animal products), omega-3 DHA/EPA (algae supplements), iron (eat with vitamin C to improve absorption), calcium (fortified plant milk, tofu, leafy greens), iodine, zinc.
Is a vegan diet healthier than a vegetarian diet?
Both well-planned diets are associated with health benefits including lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Neither is universally 'healthier' — the quality and variety of the overall diet matters more than the specific category.
Can children follow vegan diets safely?
Yes, with careful planning and appropriate supplementation (B12 especially). Major dietetic associations including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics note that well-planned vegan diets are appropriate for all stages of life, including infancy and childhood.
How We Write These Comparisons
SmartAss Facts comparisons are written to be the clearest, most accurate answer to "what is the difference between X and Y?" on the internet. We start from the primary definition — taxonomic, scientific, or linguistic — and work outward to the practical distinctions most people actually need.
Each comparison table row is independently sourced. If a distinction is more nuanced than a table cell allows, the detail appears in the body sections below the table. If you find an error or a meaningful distinction we have omitted, the comparison index includes contact information. Last reviewed: 2026-05-23.
More Comparisons
Often confused, always distinct. Every comparison below is backed by clear criteria.