For many years, Ellen DeGeneres was one of the most recognizable and vocal vegan celebrities, using her platform to advocate for animal welfare. Her public support for a plant-based lifestyle made headlines and influenced countless fans. However, her dietary journey has seen a notable shift since her years as a strict vegan.
The Vegan Chapter: A Decade of Plant-Based Living
Ellen's commitment to veganism began in 2008, a decision rooted in her deep love for animals and her desire to live a cruelty-free life. She cited documentary films and books about factory farming as the catalysts for her change, stating that she could no longer ignore the reality of what was on her plate. This was a significant transition for DeGeneres, who had grown up in New Orleans and Texas enjoying meat-heavy dishes like steak and sausage.
During her years as a vegan, she consistently promoted the lifestyle on her talk show and through various online campaigns. She even created a dedicated section on her website, “Going Vegan with Ellen,” to provide resources and recipes for others interested in making the switch. She spoke openly about the personal benefits she experienced, including increased energy and feeling healthier overall. Her advocacy went beyond her diet, as she actively supported animal protection organizations like Farm Sanctuary and served as an ambassador for campaigns to protect turkeys and stop agricultural gag legislation.
Ellen's Public Vegan Stance
- Ethical Motivation: Driven by ethical concerns over animal cruelty and factory farming.
- Health Benefits: Reported feeling healthier and more energetic on a plant-based diet.
- Public Platform: Used her television show to feature vegan guests and promote the lifestyle.
- Online Presence: Maintained websites and social media pages to educate her fans on veganism.
- Animal Advocacy: Supported numerous animal charities and initiatives.
The Shift: 'Relatable' and the Reintroduction of Animal Products
The public perception of Ellen's diet took a definitive turn with the release of her 2018 Netflix stand-up special, Relatable. In a comedic segment, she revealed that she was no longer a strict vegan. She explained that after eight years, she began eating fish and eggs again for “no real reason,” a statement that led to some backlash within the vegan community. She specifically mentioned consuming eggs from chickens she knows, suggesting a preference for ethically sourced animal products.
This shift meant that Ellen was no longer a vegan but adopted a pescetarian-style diet. While the change was a departure from her previous strict stance, she continued to advocate for reduced meat consumption. Her continued message focused on moderation and being more conscious of one's food choices, rather than a rigid, all-or-nothing approach.
Ellen's Current Diet: Primarily Plant-Based with Exceptions
Today, Ellen DeGeneres follows a largely plant-based diet, though it is no longer exclusively vegan. This more flexible approach, sometimes referred to as flexitarian or pescetarian, involves a diet rich in vegetables, grains, and legumes, supplemented by occasional fish and eggs. According to a profile on Owaves, her diet includes items like vegan pancakes, soups, and rice and beans, with an emphasis on avoiding processed foods and sugar. The addition of fish and eggs, while a reversal of her earlier position, doesn't negate her overarching message of compassion for animals.
This evolution of her diet reflects a growing trend among some who find it difficult to maintain a strict vegan lifestyle long-term. By adopting a more moderate approach, Ellen is able to maintain a healthy, plant-focused diet while still enjoying certain foods, an example that appeals to many who are curious about plant-based eating but intimidated by the strictures of full veganism.
Comparing Ellen's Diet: Vegan vs. Current Approach
| Aspect | Vegan Diet (2008-2018) | Current Diet (Post-2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | Strictly excluded all meat, poultry, and fish. | No meat or poultry, but includes occasional fish. |
| Eggs & Dairy | Excluded all animal-derived products, including eggs and milk. | Occasionally consumes eggs, particularly from humanely treated chickens. |
| Ethical Stance | Based on strict ethical opposition to all forms of animal exploitation. | Maintains a focus on animal welfare and reducing harm, but with some exceptions. |
| Health Focus | Primarily plant-based, emphasized increased energy and vitality. | Still largely plant-based, focuses on clean eating and avoiding processed foods. |
| Flexibility | A very strict, all-or-nothing approach to food. | A more flexible, pragmatic approach, acknowledging difficulty of strict adherence. |
Conclusion: A Consistent Message of Compassion
In summary, Ellen DeGeneres no longer adheres to a strict vegan diet and does consume animal products in the form of fish and eggs. However, she remains a staunch animal lover and advocate for reduced animal product consumption. Her dietary journey illustrates the complexity of maintaining strict food commitments under public scrutiny and offers a more relatable model for those exploring plant-based eating without the pressure of perfect adherence. Her message of kindness towards animals, which led her to veganism in the first place, has remained a constant thread in her public life, even as her diet has evolved.
An Outbound Link for Further Exploration
For more detailed information on Ellen's dietary evolution and her animal advocacy, see the discussion on The Humane League's article about her comedy special: https://thehumaneleague.org/article/ellen-degeneres-highlights-love-for-animals
