Does Plant-Based Include Animal Products? The Definitive Answer

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research from the Plant Based Foods Association, nearly 40% of U.S. consumers actively try to eat more plant-based foods. Despite this popularity, many are left to wonder, "Does plant-based include animal products?"—and the answer is more nuanced than it appears.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the flexible nature of a plant-based diet compared to a strict vegan one. It details which animal products may be included and helps decode confusing food labels.

Key Points

Definition Varies: The term "plant-based" is broad and flexible, emphasizing plant foods but not strictly excluding animal products like a vegan diet.
Inclusion is Possible: Depending on the specific approach (e.g., flexitarian or pescatarian), a plant-based diet can include small or moderate amounts of animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs, or fish.
Vegan is Exclusive: In contrast to a flexible plant-based diet, a vegan diet strictly and completely eliminates all animal products for ethical, environmental, or other reasons.
Processing is a Factor: A "whole-food, plant-based" (WFPB) diet is a subset that emphasizes minimally processed plant foods and avoids highly processed items, even if they are vegan.
Labels Need Scrutiny: Marketing terms like "plant-based" can be less regulated than a certified "vegan" label. Always check the ingredients list for confirmation, especially for allergies.
Context is Key: Understanding whether animal products are included depends entirely on the specific dietary pattern or product claim, so context is crucial.

Navigating the world of modern diets can be a confusing experience, especially with terms like "plant-based" and "vegan" often used interchangeably. While a vegan diet strictly excludes all animal products, the term plant-based is much broader. Whether a diet or food item is truly animal-product-free depends heavily on the specific definition being used, from a casual eating pattern to a certified food label.

What "Plant-Based" Really Means

At its core, a plant-based diet is a dietary pattern that emphasizes foods from plant sources. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. However, it does not mandate a complete and total exclusion of animal products. This flexibility is the primary distinction from a vegan diet. An individual following a plant-based diet might consume small amounts of animal products, such as fish, eggs, or dairy, on occasion. The core focus is on increasing the proportion of plant foods in one's diet, not on perfect adherence to an all-or-nothing rule.

The Spectrum of Plant-Based Diets

The term "plant-based" acts as a large umbrella, covering several dietary patterns with varying levels of animal product inclusion. This spectrum helps explain why the term can be so confusing. Here are some examples of eating patterns that fall under the "plant-based" umbrella:

Flexitarian: This approach is predominantly vegetarian but allows for the occasional consumption of meat, poultry, or fish.
Pescatarian: A diet that excludes all meat and poultry but includes fish and other seafood.
Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: This diet excludes meat, poultry, and fish but allows for dairy products and eggs.
Vegan: The most restrictive form, where all animal products and by-products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, are avoided.

How "Whole-Food Plant-Based" (WFPB) Differs

To further complicate matters, the term "whole-food, plant-based" (WFPB) has gained prominence. This eating style is a subset of plant-based dieting that also focuses on minimizing or eliminating highly processed foods. For example, while veganism might permit processed items like certain vegan cookies, candies, or meat substitutes, a WFPB diet prioritizes unprocessed whole foods. The focus is not just on where the food comes from, but also on how it is prepared.

Deciphering Food Labels and Marketing Claims

The use of "plant-based" on food product packaging can add to the confusion, as it doesn't always have the same legal standing as other claims. According to the Plant Based Foods Association, their official "Certified Plant Based" seal indicates a product is made of at least 90% plant-based ingredients but may allow for small amounts of vegan additives. A product with a "vegan" seal, by contrast, is generally third-party verified to contain no animal ingredients whatsoever. However, the general "plant-based" marketing claim is less regulated and may not guarantee a product is animal-free. Reading the ingredient list carefully is always the safest option for those with strict dietary restrictions.

Comparison of Diets


Feature	Plant-Based (Flexible)	Vegetarian	Vegan	Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB)
Inclusion of Animal Products	Small to moderate amounts are permissible, focusing on a plant-centric plate.	Excludes all meat, poultry, and fish, but may include dairy and/or eggs.	Excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.	Excludes all animal products, focusing on whole, unprocessed plants.
Focus on Whole Foods	Encouraged, but less strict than WFPB. Allows for some processed foods.	Focuses on abstaining from animal flesh, not necessarily unprocessed foods.	Can include highly processed items like mock meats and cheeses.	Strictly prioritizes minimally processed whole plant foods.
Primary Motivation	Often health-focused, aiming to increase intake of beneficial plant foods.	Varies, but often includes a mix of ethical, religious, or health reasons.	Primarily driven by ethical, environmental, and animal welfare concerns.	Heavily motivated by optimal health and disease prevention/reversal.

Conclusion

In summary, the question "Does plant-based include animal products?" cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. The term refers to a wide-ranging spectrum of eating styles, from the highly restrictive vegan diet to more flexible flexitarian patterns. The key takeaway is that while a plant-based diet emphasizes plants, it does not necessarily exclude animal products entirely. Anyone with specific dietary needs, such as ethical vegans or individuals with allergies, should look beyond the general term and always check the specific product ingredients. For more information on plant-based living, consult reliable sources, such as the Harvard Health blog on this topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are not the same. While a vegan diet eliminates all animal products, a plant-based diet simply emphasizes eating mostly plant foods and can include small amounts of animal products.

Yes. A flexitarian diet, which is considered a type of plant-based diet, is predominantly plant-based but allows for the occasional inclusion of meat, poultry, or fish.

The main difference is the level of exclusion. Veganism is a strict philosophy that avoids all animal exploitation, including diet, while a plant-based diet is a more flexible eating pattern often adopted for health reasons.

The Certified Plant Based seal guarantees that a product is made of at least 90% plant-based ingredients but may contain trace amounts of vegan, non-plant additives. For zero animal products, look for a certified vegan label.

Only if you follow a specific whole-food plant-based diet (WFPB). Regular plant-based diets are not defined by processing levels, but WFPB focuses on whole, unprocessed foods.

The confusion stems from varying definitions across marketing, scientific studies, and popular usage. Many brands use "plant-based" loosely, while some studies define it synonymously with vegan, and consumers interpret it differently.

The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list for specific animal-derived ingredients. For packaged products, look for a verified vegan certification mark from a reputable third-party organization.