Are there vegans who eat eggs? Unpacking the 'Veggan' Diet

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 79 million people worldwide identify as vegan, but not all adhere to the same strict interpretation of abstaining from animal products. The question of 'are there vegans who eat eggs?' introduces a complex and nuanced topic within the plant-based community, highlighting a modern, evolving approach to ethical eating known as 'vegganism'.

Quick Summary

This article explores the core principles of veganism and the reasons why a small group of individuals, known as 'veggans', incorporates ethically sourced eggs into their otherwise vegan diet. It clarifies the distinction between veganism, vegganism, and ovo-vegetarianism, discussing the ethical and nutritional motivations behind these choices and highlighting the various perspectives within the plant-based community.

Key Points

Vegans do not eat eggs: The foundational principle of veganism is the exclusion of all animal products, including eggs, due to concerns about animal exploitation and cruelty.
The 'veggan' subculture exists: A separate group, referred to as 'veggans', follows a plant-based diet but includes eggs, often sourcing them from what they consider ethical or cruelty-free environments.
Ethical egg sourcing is central to veggans: Veggans differentiate their practice by consuming eggs only from hens they know are well-treated, such as rescued chickens or those on high-welfare farms.
Industrial egg production involves significant animal cruelty: Even 'free-range' or 'cage-free' eggs can involve practices like the culling of male chicks and the early slaughter of hens, which traditional vegans reject.
Nutritional and practical motivations for veggans: Some individuals become veggans for health reasons, as eggs provide nutrients like B12 and protein, or to make their plant-based diet more flexible.
Vegan alternatives to eggs are available: For cooking and baking, traditional vegans use plant-based substitutes like mung bean-based liquid eggs, tofu, flaxseeds, or aquafaba.
The vegan community has internal debates: The existence of veggans is a point of contention, with some believing it dilutes the vegan message, while others see it as a step toward a more plant-centric diet.

Understanding the Vegan Standard and the Veggan Departure

At its core, traditional veganism is a lifestyle and philosophy that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, which includes a diet that avoids all animal-derived products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. The reasons for this abstention are multifold, covering animal welfare, environmental impact, and health. However, the modern dietary landscape includes various interpretations and flexible approaches, such as the emergence of the 'veggan' label.

A 'veggan' is an individual who follows an otherwise vegan diet but includes eggs, often with specific ethical considerations in mind. These considerations typically involve sourcing eggs from what they deem to be humane or cruelty-free environments, such as from rescued backyard hens or small-scale farms with high animal welfare standards. This contrasts with the broader egg industry, where practices like the culling of male chicks and the early slaughter of hens raise significant ethical concerns for traditional vegans.

Motivations for Adopting a Veggan Diet

For many who identify as veggan, the decision is driven by a combination of factors, including health and a desire for less dietary restriction. Eggs are a nutrient-dense food, providing protein, vitamins (like B12 and D), and minerals that can be more challenging to obtain in a purely plant-based diet. By incorporating ethically sourced eggs, some veggans aim to supplement their nutritional intake without compromising their core animal welfare values. This can make the transition to a more plant-based lifestyle feel more sustainable and less restrictive for some individuals.

Another significant motivator is the ethical argument regarding backyard hens. Some argue that consuming eggs from hens that are well-cared-for and not bred for industrial exploitation is not an act of cruelty. Instead, they suggest it can be a way to utilize a product that would otherwise go to waste, especially if the hen is a rescued pet. Critics, however, maintain that any consumption of animal products is inherently exploitative, no matter the scale or conditions, and that even backyard hens should be allowed to consume their own eggs to regain vital nutrients.

Comparing Different Ethical and Dietary Frameworks

Understanding the various labels within plant-based eating helps clarify why some people incorporate eggs while others do not.

Comparison Table: Vegan vs. Veggan vs. Ovo-Vegetarian


Feature	Vegan	Veggan	Ovo-Vegetarian
Meat	No	No	No
Dairy	No	No	No
Eggs	No	Yes (ethically sourced)	Yes (any source)
Ethical Focus	All animal exploitation	Sourcing eggs ethically	Avoids meat/dairy
Lifestyle Scope	Extends beyond diet (clothing, cosmetics)	Primarily dietary, with ethical egg focus	Dietary only

This table highlights the primary difference: the inclusion and sourcing of eggs. While ovo-vegetarians may eat any eggs without scrutiny, veggans consciously choose eggs from what they consider cruelty-free sources, distinguishing their practice from conventional egg consumption.

The Debate and the Vegan Movement

While the concept of vegganism offers a potential bridge for those transitioning away from a meat-inclusive diet, it remains a contentious topic within the wider vegan community. Some traditional vegans view the term as misleading, arguing it dilutes the clear-cut definition of veganism, which prohibits all animal exploitation. They worry that such exceptions weaken the overall integrity and message of the movement.

Conversely, supporters see vegganism as a more accessible and flexible entry point into a plant-based lifestyle, potentially encouraging more people to reduce their overall consumption of animal products. This aligns with a more pragmatic approach to harm reduction, recognizing that for some, a complete and immediate shift to strict veganism may be difficult.

The Broader Picture of Ethical Eating

The discussion around veggans and eggs reflects a broader evolution in food ethics, which has shifted from ancient concerns about temperance to modern considerations of production, distribution, and environmental impact. The conversation is no longer just about personal health but also about the systemic issues within industrial farming, as brought to light by influential works and increasing public awareness. The choice to be vegan, veggan, or ovo-vegetarian is an individual one, shaped by a personal balancing act of ethical beliefs, health needs, and practical considerations. The development of plant-based alternatives, such as mung bean-based 'eggs' or tofu scrambles, also provides a path for those who want to replicate the culinary experience of eggs without any animal involvement.

Conclusion: Navigating a Evolving Definition

In conclusion, while the standard definition of veganism strictly excludes eggs, a contemporary subset known as 'veggans' does exist, incorporating ethically-sourced eggs into their diet. This distinction is rooted in varying interpretations of animal welfare and personal health needs. For traditional vegans, the consumption of any animal product, including eggs, is seen as a form of exploitation incompatible with the core philosophy. For veggans, focusing on humane sourcing allows them to balance ethical concerns with perceived nutritional benefits. The broader conversation highlights that 'veganism' is not a monolith, but a dynamic and evolving set of practices and philosophies within the plant-based community. Ultimately, individuals must decide for themselves how to align their diet with their personal values, whether that means adhering to the strict traditional definition or exploring more flexible pathways toward reducing animal product consumption. For more information on plant-based diets, resources like Healthline provide further context on these dietary trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most vegans do not eat eggs because they are an animal product, and veganism is fundamentally about avoiding all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty. This includes exploitation within the egg industry, which involves systemic practices like the culling of male chicks and the unnatural life cycle of laying hens.

A vegan avoids all animal products, including eggs, meat, and dairy. A 'veggan' is an individual who follows an otherwise vegan diet but makes an exception for eggs, typically insisting on ethically-sourced eggs from rescued or humanely-treated hens.

No, eating eggs from backyard chickens is not considered vegan by the official definition, as it still involves consuming an animal product. However, some veggans and individuals with rescued hens choose to eat these eggs, arguing it is more ethical than supporting industrial agriculture.

Common vegan alternatives to eggs include mung bean-based liquid egg products, scrambled tofu, flaxseed or chia seed 'eggs' (for binding), and chickpea flour for omelets.

No, an ovo-vegetarian eats eggs but abstains from meat and dairy, without necessarily having specific ethical rules about the egg's origin. A veggan, while also eating eggs, does so with a heightened ethical focus on humane sourcing.

Yes, some veggans incorporate eggs for health reasons, as eggs are a convenient source of nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and protein, which can require more planning to obtain on a strict plant-based diet.

Some traditional vegans argue that consuming eggs from rescued hens, while seemingly compassionate, can dilute the broader message of eliminating all animal exploitation and create a 'slippery slope' of justifying other animal product consumption. Others argue it can be a positive step for individuals transitioning to less animal-intensive diets.