Nutrition Diet: Are insects included in veganism? A definitive guide

October 13, 2025 •

3 min read

While entomophagy, or insect eating, is a practice for an estimated 2 billion people worldwide, the question of whether it aligns with a vegan diet is debated. The answer to "Are insects included in veganism?" depends on the core ethical and dietary principles defining veganism, which strictly avoids animal exploitation and animal-derived products.

Quick Summary

No, insects are not included in veganism, as they are animals. Veganism's foundational principle is to avoid all forms of animal exploitation, including the consumption of animal-derived products like insects.

Key Points

Insects Are Animals: Biologically and ethically, insects are considered animals, and veganism excludes the consumption of animal products.
Veganism Avoids Exploitation: The central tenet of veganism is minimizing animal exploitation and cruelty, which includes purposeful insect farming and harvesting.
Distinction from Accidental Harm: Vegans differentiate between unavoidable harm to insects during crop harvesting and the deliberate exploitation of entomophagy.
'Ento-Veganism' Is Not Veganism: Including insects in a diet, sometimes termed 'ento-veganism,' is not recognized as veganism by mainstream organizations due to its violation of the principle against consuming animals.
Nutritional Alternatives Exist: A balanced vegan diet provides all necessary nutrients through plant sources, eliminating the need for insect consumption.
Environmental Nuances: While potentially more sustainable than traditional meat, insect farming's environmental benefits relative to plant-based diets are debated and don't override the ethical concerns for vegans.

The Core Philosophy: Defining Veganism

Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle that aims to exclude, as much as possible and practical, all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty. This principle, established by The Vegan Society, impacts choices beyond just food, including clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment. A vegan diet thus excludes all products derived from animals.

Under this definition, consuming insects is not vegan because insects are animals, and their farming and harvesting constitute animal exploitation. While the ethical considerations of consuming insects versus other animals might be discussed based on perceived sentience, the overarching vegan philosophy is to avoid all animal products when possible and practical.

The 'Practicable' Clause and Inadvertent Harm

Some argue that the unavoidable killing of insects during plant harvesting contradicts vegan principles. However, vegans distinguish between unintentional harm and deliberate exploitation. While completely avoiding all harm is impossible, veganism focuses on minimizing intentional exploitation, and purposeful insect farming and consumption fall into this category.

Are Insects 'Animals' in the Vegan Context?

Biologically, insects are animals, belonging to the arthropod phylum. This classification is key for vegans who avoid animal consumption. The debate often turns to whether insects are sentient and can suffer, an area of ongoing scientific study.

Some research suggests insects may lack the complex nervous systems for conscious pain perception like mammals.
Others advocate for a 'precautionary principle' due to insects' responses to harmful stimuli, suggesting they may feel pain until proven otherwise.
Regardless of the scientific consensus on sentience, the vegan stance generally prioritizes avoiding harm and exploitation, making their status as animals the primary factor.

A Comparison of Dietary Sources: Insects vs. Plants

Entomophagy proponents often highlight insects' nutritional value and environmental benefits. However, a well-planned vegan diet can provide all necessary nutrients from plant sources.

Nutritional Composition Table


Nutrient	Insects (e.g., Crickets, Mealworms)	Plant-Based Sources	Key Differences
Protein	High crude protein content (40%-75% dry matter), providing essential amino acids.	Legumes (beans, lentils), tofu, tempeh, seitan, nuts, and seeds provide sufficient protein.	Both can provide ample protein; plant sources require careful pairing to get a complete amino acid profile, though this is easily achievable with a varied diet.
Vitamin B12	Some insects contain B12, with levels varying by species and diet.	Not reliably present; vegans must rely on fortified foods (cereals, plant milks) and supplements.	Insects offer a potential B12 source, but fortified foods and supplements are a standard, reliable vegan approach.
Iron	Rich source of iron, though content varies.	Dark green leafy vegetables, lentils, pulses, and fortified cereals are good sources.	Plant-based iron is less bioavailable; consuming with Vitamin C-rich foods enhances absorption.
Calcium	Some species (e.g., soldier fly larvae) are high in calcium.	Calcium-set tofu, fortified plant milks, leafy greens (kale), and sesame seeds.	Vegans can meet calcium needs through plant sources without animal products.
Fatty Acids	Healthy fats, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, similar to fish and chicken.	Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and canola oil provide omega-3 fatty acids.	Both can provide beneficial fats; specific fatty acid profiles vary.

The “Ento-Veganism” Debate

The term "ento-veganism" describes a diet that includes insects while otherwise being vegan. This approach is not considered vegan by organizations like The Vegan Society and is viewed by many ethical vegans as inconsistent with the core philosophy of avoiding animal exploitation. This highlights the conflict between the ethical basis of veganism and other motivations like environmental concerns.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations of Insect Farming

Despite being promoted as sustainable, insect farming raises ethical and environmental questions.

Sentience: The debate over insect sentience means large-scale farming could involve suffering, even if different from mammals.
Feed: Much of insect farming uses crops that humans could eat, rather than solely waste products.
Precaution: Ethical groups like Animal Ethics suggest a cautious approach, recommending avoidance of industrial farming until more is known about insect sentience.

Conclusion: A Clear Distinction

According to the standard definition from The Vegan Society, insects are not included in veganism. Veganism's foundation is the avoidance of intentional animal exploitation, and insects, as animals, fall under this principle. While arguments for entomophagy based on nutrition and environment exist, they are separate from the ethical core of veganism. A varied, plant-based diet remains the consistent vegan approach for sustainable, animal-product-free nutrition.

For additional information on the official definition of veganism, consult The Vegan Society's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Veganism is a lifestyle avoiding all animal exploitation, including consuming animal products like insects. 'Ento-veganism' is a self-described diet that is otherwise vegan but includes insects, a practice not endorsed as veganism by official groups.

Ethical veganism's core is avoiding animal exploitation regardless of perceived sentience. While insect sentience is debated, farming and consuming them is seen as exploitation, conflicting with this fundamental principle.

Accidental insect consumption or death during harvesting is largely unavoidable and separate from intentional exploitation. Veganism focuses on reducing harm 'as far as is possible and practicable,' and deliberate insect eating is considered avoidable.

While insect farming may have a smaller environmental impact than traditional livestock, many sources argue it's less sustainable than plant-based options. Furthermore, focusing on insects might detract from promoting plant-based food systems.

Most vegans classify bivalves like oysters and mussels as animals and avoid them. Some diets may include them (like 'ostreoveganism'), but this is not considered vegan.

No, vegans do not consume honey as it is produced by bees, which are animals. Vegans consider honey harvesting to be the exploitation of bees, as the honey is vital for their survival.

A balanced vegan diet provides all necessary nutrients through diverse plant sources. Protein comes from legumes and soy products, iron from leafy greens and lentils, calcium from fortified plant milks and tofu, and B12 from fortified foods and supplements.