Do Vegetarians Eat Pollo? The Definitive Answer

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Vegetarian Society, a vegetarian is someone who does not eat any meat, poultry, or fish. This strict definition means that, no, vegetarians do not eat pollo, as 'pollo' is the Spanish word for chicken. The confusion often arises from the existence of various dietary patterns, some of which are mislabeled as vegetarian.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies that true vegetarians do not eat chicken or any other meat. It explores the distinctions between vegetarianism and other diets like pollotarianism and flexitarianism, which do include poultry. Understanding these differences helps to avoid confusion when discussing dietary choices.

Key Points

Core Definition: A true vegetarian, by definition, does not eat pollo, as it is the Spanish word for chicken.
Pollotarianism: This is a semi-vegetarian diet that includes poultry like chicken but excludes red meat.
No Mislabeling: People who eat chicken but call themselves vegetarian are using the term incorrectly and are likely pollotarians or flexitarians.
Dietary Spectrum: The confusion highlights the range of modern diets, from strict veganism to more flexible approaches.
Clarity is Essential: Understanding the specific definitions is crucial for respecting dietary choices and avoiding misconceptions.

No, True Vegetarians Do Not Eat Pollo

By its very definition, vegetarianism is a dietary practice that excludes all animal flesh, including poultry. Since pollo is the Spanish word for chicken, consuming it is incompatible with a vegetarian diet. The misconception that vegetarians might eat chicken stems from two main sources: a general misunderstanding of the strict definition and the rise of semi-vegetarian diets that confuse the issue. It's crucial to understand these distinctions for clear communication about dietary preferences.

The Difference Between a Vegetarian and a Pollotarian

This confusion is often rooted in the existence of different dietary categories. While a standard lacto-ovo vegetarian avoids all meat, a pollotarian (also known as a pollo-vegetarian) specifically excludes red meat and fish but includes poultry, such as chicken. Pollotarianism is a type of semi-vegetarian diet, not a form of vegetarianism itself. This distinction is important for restaurants, hosts, and anyone cooking for others to understand.

Why the Confusion About Vegetarians Eating Pollo Exists

There are several reasons why this specific dietary question comes up frequently:

Language Barrier: The use of the Spanish word 'pollo' can sometimes lead to confusion, especially for those who don't know it means 'chicken.' When encountered on a menu, it might be mistaken for a non-meat item if not clearly identified.
Semi-Vegetarianism: Many people who are transitioning to a plant-based diet or simply reducing their meat intake refer to themselves as vegetarian, even if they still eat chicken. This casual usage can spread misinformation.
Evolution of Diets: The modern dietary landscape includes many hybrid or flexible diets, such as pescatarianism (includes fish) and flexitarianism (mostly plant-based with occasional meat). These blurred lines contribute to the confusion around the definition of a true vegetarian.
Marketing Misinformation: Some food products or restaurant menus might misleadingly label certain dishes as 'vegetarian' when they contain chicken broth or other animal by-products.

Types of Plant-Based and Semi-Vegetarian Diets

Understanding the specific categories helps to differentiate between those who eat pollo and those who don't. Here is a comparison of common dietary patterns:


Dietary Type	Excludes	Includes	Eats Pollo?
Vegan	All animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.	Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, pulses.	No
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian	Meat, fish, and poultry.	Dairy products and eggs.	No
Lacto-Vegetarian	Meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.	Dairy products.	No
Ovo-Vegetarian	Meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products.	Eggs.	No
Pollotarian	Red meat and fish.	Poultry (including chicken/pollo) and often eggs/dairy.	Yes
Pescatarian	Meat and poultry.	Fish and seafood.	No
Flexitarian	Varies, but reduces overall meat consumption.	Mostly plant-based, with occasional meat/poultry.	Sometimes

The Health and Ethical Perspectives

The reasons for abstaining from meat, including pollo, are varied and personal. For many vegetarians, it is an ethical decision based on concerns for animal welfare, aligning with their respect for sentient life. The health benefits are also a significant motivation for many, as well-planned plant-based diets can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Environmental concerns, such as the impact of industrial farming, also play a role for some. The existence of pollotarianism, however, can be a transitional step for those seeking a less restrictive pathway to reducing red meat consumption, potentially benefiting heart health and offering other dietary advantages.

Conclusion: Clarity is Key

To answer the question, do vegetarians eat pollo? The straightforward answer is no. The term 'pollo' is Spanish for chicken, and vegetarianism, by definition, excludes all poultry. The confusion arises from the existence of semi-vegetarian diets like pollotarianism, which include chicken, and the widespread, but often incorrect, use of the term 'vegetarian.' Knowing the clear distinctions is essential for respecting dietary choices and avoiding misunderstandings in both social and dining contexts. The wide spectrum of dietary practices, from vegan to flexitarian, shows that people have different reasons and approaches to their consumption of animal products. For a true vegetarian, however, chicken is always off the table.

Here is a useful guide on the different types of semi-vegetarian diets from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

A vegetarian diet primarily consists of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and pulses. Depending on the type of vegetarianism, they may also eat dairy products (lacto-vegetarian), eggs (ovo-vegetarian), or both (lacto-ovo-vegetarian).

No, eating chicken is never a vegetarian indulgence. If a person includes chicken in their diet, even occasionally, they are not a vegetarian. This practice is typically associated with flexitarianism or semi-vegetarianism.

Some people who are reducing their red meat intake or transitioning to a plant-based diet might incorrectly use the term 'vegetarian.' This often stems from a misunderstanding of the strict definition or a casual mislabeling of their diet.

The correct term for someone who avoids red meat and fish but eats chicken is a 'pollotarian'. They are considered semi-vegetarian.

Yes, for some, a pollotarian diet can be a stepping stone towards less meat consumption. Reducing red meat has been associated with various health benefits, such as a lowered risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

It is always best to ask the restaurant staff to clarify the ingredients. Some dishes may contain hidden animal products like chicken broth or animal-derived rennet in cheese, even if labeled 'vegetarian'.

Yes, there are several types of vegetarianism, including lacto-ovo-vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, and ovo-vegetarian. The key defining feature across all types is the exclusion of all meat, fish, and poultry.