Is there egg in vegetarian food? Understanding different diet types

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Vegetarian Society, a vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, fish, or poultry, but this definition has numerous variations. The question, 'Is there egg in vegetarian food?' therefore, has a complex answer that depends entirely on the specific type of vegetarianism a person follows.

Quick Summary

The inclusion of eggs in a vegetarian diet depends on the specific diet type, such as lacto-ovo, ovo, or lacto-vegetarianism. While many Western vegetarians include unfertilized eggs, others, particularly for religious reasons, consider eggs a non-vegetarian product.

Key Points

Not All Vegetarians Eat Eggs: The inclusion of eggs depends on the specific type of vegetarian diet, with ovo-vegetarians eating eggs and lacto-vegetarians avoiding them.
Lacto-Ovo vs. Ovo vs. Lacto: Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat both eggs and dairy, ovo-vegetarians eat eggs but no dairy, and lacto-vegetarians eat dairy but no eggs.
Commercially Produced Eggs are Unfertilized: Most store-bought eggs cannot hatch into chickens, which is why many ovo-vegetarians deem them acceptable to eat.
Religious and Cultural Differences: In some cultures, particularly in India, eggs are considered non-vegetarian due to religious practices.
Vegans Exclude All Animal Products: A vegan diet is the most restrictive form, and strictly excludes eggs, dairy, and all other animal-derived products.
Read Food Labels Carefully: Processed foods often contain hidden egg products under names like 'albumin' or 'ovalbumin', making it essential to check ingredients.
Eggs are a Nutritious Source: For vegetarians who do eat eggs, they provide a valuable source of protein, Vitamin B12, and other key nutrients.

Unpacking the Various Types of Vegetarian Diets

Contrary to a common misconception, the umbrella term 'vegetarian' encompasses a variety of dietary patterns, some of which include eggs and dairy, and some which do not. A person's choice to include or exclude eggs often depends on personal ethics, cultural background, and nutritional needs. A vegan diet, for instance, is the most restrictive form, eliminating all animal products entirely.

The Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian: Including Both Eggs and Dairy

This is perhaps the most well-known form of vegetarianism, and what many people in Western cultures assume when they hear the term. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians avoid all meat, fish, and poultry but include both dairy products (like milk, cheese, and yogurt) and eggs in their diet. For these individuals, eggs are a valuable source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and nutrients like Vitamin B12, which can be limited in a purely plant-based diet.

The Ovo-Vegetarian: Eggs, But No Dairy

An ovo-vegetarian diet excludes all meat, fish, and dairy products, but allows for the consumption of eggs. The 'ovo' prefix is derived from the Latin word for egg. This dietary pattern is a suitable option for those who wish to avoid dairy due to lactose intolerance, ethical concerns regarding the dairy industry, or other health reasons, while still benefiting from the nutritional profile of eggs.

The Lacto-Vegetarian: Dairy, But No Eggs

Conversely, a lacto-vegetarian avoids all meat, fish, and eggs, but continues to consume dairy products. This is a particularly common type of vegetarianism in some parts of the world, such as India, where eggs are considered non-vegetarian for cultural or religious reasons. For lacto-vegetarians, dairy serves as a primary source of animal-derived protein, calcium, and other vitamins.

The Vegan: No Eggs, No Dairy, No Animal Products

Vegans represent the strictest form of vegetarianism, abstaining from all animal-based food products, including eggs, dairy, and honey. For vegans, the ethical stance extends beyond not consuming animal flesh to avoiding any product that involves animal exploitation. They rely entirely on plant-based sources for their protein and nutrient needs.

The Commercial Egg Debate: Fertilized vs. Unfertilized

A common point of discussion regarding eggs and vegetarianism revolves around whether the egg is fertilized or unfertilized.

Unfertilized Eggs: Most commercially produced eggs available in grocery stores are unfertilized. A hen can lay an egg without a rooster present, and these eggs are essentially a byproduct of the hen's reproductive cycle. Since these eggs have no potential to develop into a chick, many vegetarians consider them acceptable.
Fertilized Eggs: These eggs come from hens that have mated with a rooster. If incubated, they have the potential to hatch. This is why some people, particularly those with deep ethical or religious reasons for avoiding animal products, view fertilized eggs as non-vegetarian.

Comparison of Vegetarian Diet Types and Egg Consumption


Feature	Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian	Ovo-Vegetarian	Lacto-Vegetarian	Vegan
Meat/Fish	No	No	No	No
Dairy	Yes	No	Yes	No
Eggs	Yes	Yes	No	No
Common Motivation	Health, Animal Welfare	Health, Animal Welfare, Dairy Concerns	Cultural/Religious, Animal Welfare	Animal Rights, Environment
B12 Source	Eggs, Dairy, Fortified Foods	Eggs, Fortified Foods	Dairy, Fortified Foods	Fortified Foods, Supplements

Reading Food Labels for Hidden Egg Ingredients

It is crucial to read ingredient labels carefully, as eggs can be included in many processed foods where they are not immediately obvious. For instance, certain baked goods, pastas, salad dressings, and vegetarian meat substitutes may contain egg products. Manufacturers are legally required to list major allergens, but it is important to recognize the different ways egg can be listed, such as 'albumin,' 'ovalbumin,' or 'lysozyme'.

Conclusion: Personal Choice in a Diverse Landscape

Ultimately, whether eggs are included in vegetarian food is not a universal rule but a personal and cultural choice dependent on the specific type of vegetarian diet one follows. While the common Western understanding often includes eggs (in the lacto-ovo-vegetarian model), it is inaccurate to assume all vegetarian food contains them. For those seeking clarity, identifying the specific diet type—ovo-vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, or vegan—is the key to understanding the role of eggs. It is always wise for vegetarians who exclude eggs to double-check food labels and ask about ingredients in prepared dishes to ensure their food aligns with their dietary choices. The diversity within vegetarianism shows that different dietary pathways can lead to similar goals of ethical and health-conscious eating.

Authoritative Outbound Link for further nutritional information on vegetarian diets from the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, vegetarians and vegans are different. While both abstain from meat, fish, and poultry, vegans also avoid all other animal products, including eggs and dairy. Many vegetarians, specifically lacto-ovo-vegetarians, do eat eggs and dairy.

No, you cannot always assume 'vegetarian' food is egg-free. The term can refer to a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes eggs. If you specifically avoid eggs, you must read the ingredient list to confirm the product's contents.

An ovo-vegetarian is a type of vegetarian who includes eggs in their diet but avoids all dairy products, meat, fish, and poultry.

No, eggs are not considered meat. Meat is defined as animal flesh, while eggs are an animal byproduct. However, whether it is considered 'vegetarian' is a matter of personal and cultural interpretation.

Some common hidden egg ingredients include albumin, globulin, lecithin, lysozyme, and any ingredient with the prefix 'ovo' or 'ova'. It's especially important to be aware of these in baked goods and processed items.

Some religions, such as certain sects of Hinduism, consider eggs a non-vegetarian product due to specific religious or cultural practices. These interpretations often view eggs, even unfertilized ones, as an animal-derived product to be avoided.

Yes, for vegetarians who eat eggs, they provide an excellent source of high-quality protein, Vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can be harder to obtain from purely plant-based sources.