Is Eating Seafood Considered Vegetarian? The Definitive Answer

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Vegetarian Society, a vegetarian diet strictly excludes the flesh of any animal, which means seafood is not considered vegetarian. This distinction often causes confusion due to cultural habits and other diets like pescetarianism, which includes fish.

Quick Summary

A vegetarian diet excludes all animal flesh, including fish and other seafood. The term for including seafood in an otherwise plant-based diet is 'pescetarian.' This clarifies why consuming fish does not align with the formal definition of vegetarianism.

Key Points

No Seafood in Vegetarianism: By definition, a vegetarian diet excludes all animal flesh, and fish are animals.
Pescetarianism is Different: The correct term for a diet including fish and seafood alongside plant-based foods is 'pescetarian'.
Cultural Confusion: Historical and cultural practices, such as the Catholic tradition of eating fish on Fridays, contribute to the misunderstanding.
Labels Matter: Using the correct dietary term helps avoid confusion for yourself and others, especially when dining out or explaining dietary choices.
Nutritional Rationale: Some people choose a pescetarian diet for nutritional benefits, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can also be obtained from supplements.
Semi-Vegetarian Options: Diets like pescetarianism and flexitarianism are forms of semi-vegetarianism, but are not strictly vegetarian.

The Core Difference: Animal Flesh

At its heart, the distinction between vegetarianism and a diet that includes seafood is a matter of whether animal flesh is consumed. The definition of vegetarianism is abstaining from the consumption of all meat, which includes fish, poultry, and other animal products obtained by slaughter. Fish are animals, and therefore, their flesh is meat. This fact is the central point that separates a true vegetarian from a person who eats fish.

Historically, some cultures and religions, notably some Christian traditions, treated fish differently from 'meat' (meaning the flesh of land animals) for specific fasting periods, such as Lent. This historical precedent has contributed to some of the enduring public confusion around the classification of fish and seafood. However, from a modern and formal dietary perspective, this historical distinction is not relevant.

Defining Vegetarianism vs. Pescatarianism

To clear up any confusion, it is helpful to understand the specific terms for different plant-based diets. A person who eats fish and seafood, but avoids red meat and poultry, is called a pescetarian (sometimes spelled pescatarian). The term is a blend of the Italian word 'pesce' for fish and 'vegetarian'. A pescetarian diet can be a stepping stone towards a stricter vegetarian or vegan diet, or a long-term dietary choice based on health or environmental considerations.

Types of Vegetarian Diets

Within the umbrella of vegetarianism, several variations exist, but all strictly exclude fish and seafood.

Lacto-ovo vegetarian: Eats plant-based foods, dairy products, and eggs.
Lacto vegetarian: Eats plant-based foods and dairy products, but no eggs.
Ovo vegetarian: Eats plant-based foods and eggs, but no dairy.
Vegan: Eats only plant-based foods, completely excluding all animal products and by-products like dairy, eggs, and honey.

Why Do Some People Call Themselves Vegetarian When They Eat Fish?

There are several reasons for this common mislabeling:

Lack of awareness: Many people are simply not aware of the specific terminology and assume that because they don't eat red meat, they can be called vegetarian.
Regional and cultural differences: As mentioned, some historical traditions have blurred the line between meat and fish, which persists in certain cultures.
Convenience: For some, it might be simpler to say they are vegetarian in social situations rather than explaining they are pescetarian, especially if the latter term is less widely known.

Comparison of Diets: Vegetarian vs. Pescatarian vs. Vegan


Feature	Vegetarian (Lacto-Ovo)	Pescetarian	Vegan
Plant-Based Foods	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dairy Products	Yes	Yes (Optional)	No
Eggs	Yes	Yes (Optional)	No
Fish & Seafood	No	Yes	No
Red Meat & Poultry	No	No	No
Key Protein Sources	Legumes, tofu, dairy, eggs	Legumes, seafood, dairy, eggs	Legumes, tofu, nuts, seeds

The Nutritional Context of Seafood

Some individuals choose to include fish in their diet for its nutritional benefits, particularly the high content of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamin B12, and quality protein. While these nutrients are important, they can be obtained through other means for those committed to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. Plant-based sources of omega-3s (ALA) include flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, though conversion to EPA/DHA is less efficient. Vitamin B12 can be sourced from fortified foods or supplements, which are highly recommended for vegans and often for strict vegetarians as well.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to whether eating seafood is considered vegetarian is a definitive no. True vegetarianism, by its foundational definition, excludes all forms of animal flesh, including fish and shellfish. The correct term for a diet that includes seafood but excludes land animals is pescetarianism. While there are historical and cultural reasons for the misconception, understanding and using the proper dietary labels is key for clear communication and accurately representing one's dietary choices.

For more information on the pescetarian diet, you can refer to this guide from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

A vegetarian avoids all animal flesh, including fish and seafood. A pescetarian also avoids meat from land animals (like beef and chicken), but does eat fish and other seafood.

While it may seem simpler, it's inaccurate. It's best to be honest and say you're a pescetarian or that you eat a plant-based diet that includes fish. This prevents confusion for people preparing your food and for those who follow a true vegetarian diet.

The idea that fish isn't meat often stems from historical religious practices, where a distinction was made for fasting periods. However, biologically and for the purposes of modern dietary definitions, fish is animal flesh.

No, true vegetarians do not eat shellfish. Shellfish are marine animals, and vegetarianism is defined by the exclusion of all animal flesh.

While some argue about the ethics of consuming certain invertebrates, the formal definition of vegetarianism includes abstaining from the flesh of all animals, regardless of their nervous system complexity. A person following this rationale is not a strict vegetarian.

Pescetarians get protein from a variety of sources, including fish and seafood, as well as plant-based sources like legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains. Depending on their diet, they may also eat dairy and eggs.

Pescetarianism can offer specific health benefits due to nutrients found in fish, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can be harder to get on a purely plant-based diet. However, well-planned vegetarian diets can be equally healthy and meet all nutritional needs.