There’s lots of different terms for diets and lifestyles now, and they can be confusing to get your head around. Here is a simple run through of them all:
Omnivore
Omnivores are animals that are able to eat both plants and meat. Humans are omnivores but this doesn’t mean they MUST eat both plants and meat, just that they can.
Herbivore
Herbivores are animals that only eat plants.
Flexitarian
A fairly new term referring to people who eat mostly vegetarian but will eat meat and dairy now and then. This is to support those who have reduced their meat and dairy intake. A step in the right direction.
Pescetarian
Pesecetarians don’t eat meat but they do eat fish and seafood. This is often confused with vegetarian but important to distinguish.
Vegetarian
Vegetarians don’t eat meat or fish, including any parts of animals like geletine.
Ovo-vegetarian
A less common term but refers to someone who doesn’t eat meat fish or dairy products. They do eat eggs which is the distinction to other terms.
Lacto-vegetarian
Someone who doesn’t eat meat, fish or eggs. They do eat and drink dairy products.
Vegan
Someone who doesn’t eat or use any animal products. Veganism also extends to lifestyle – not partaking in any activities that use and exploit animals, or purchasing items that have been tested on animals.
The Vegan Society definition:
Veganism is 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; 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.
Plant based
Often used interchangeably with vegan, plant based actually refers only to diet. Unfortunately, more recently, the term has been used by companies to sell items that are majority made of plants but that do also contain animal or dairy products. These items can no longer be deemed safe for vegans so require further research to see if the item is suitable for vegans.
Which term best describes you?
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