Understanding: What falls under veganism? A comprehensive guide

October 26, 2025 •

2 min read

A 2023 study by the Vegan Society found that veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. This broader philosophy defines precisely what falls under veganism, distinguishing it from a simple plant-based diet.

Quick Summary

Veganism is a comprehensive lifestyle that rejects all animal products and exploitation, covering dietary exclusions like meat, dairy, and eggs, plus non-food items such as leather, wool, and cosmetics tested on animals.

Key Points

Exclusion of All Animal Products: Veganism excludes all animal products and byproducts, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
Lifestyle Commitment: The philosophy extends to lifestyle choices, prohibiting the use of animal products like leather, wool, silk, and cosmetics with animal-derived ingredients or testing.
Beyond the Obvious: Many processed foods and drinks contain hidden animal derivatives like gelatin, casein, and isinglass.
Ethical Foundation: At its core, veganism is an ethical stance against animal exploitation and cruelty.
Informed Consumerism: Success requires careful label reading, awareness of hidden ingredients, and choosing certified vegan and cruelty-free products.

The Core Philosophy of Veganism

Veganism is fundamentally an ethical philosophy centered on avoiding animal exploitation and cruelty whenever possible. This core principle shapes all aspects of a vegan's life and distinguishes it from vegetarianism, which is primarily a dietary choice. Environmental and health concerns often also motivate vegans.

Dietary Exclusions: More Than Just Meat

A vegan diet excludes all animal-derived foods and many products utilizing animal byproducts.

Common dietary exclusions include meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, and honey. Other animal byproducts like gelatin and casein are also avoided.

Lifestyle Exclusions: Beyond the Plate

Avoiding animal exploitation extends to all consumer choices. Non-food items avoided include materials like leather, wool, silk, and fur, as well as personal care products and cosmetics containing animal-derived ingredients or tested on animals. Entertainment involving captive animals and certain household items are also typically avoided.

Veganism vs. Vegetarianism: A Key Distinction

Veganism and vegetarianism differ in the scope of excluded animal products.


Aspect	Veganism	Vegetarianism (Lacto-Ovo)
Dietary Scope	Excludes all animal products and byproducts.	Excludes meat, fish, poultry, but typically includes dairy and eggs.
Dairy	No animal dairy.	Dairy products are typically consumed.
Eggs	No eggs.	Eggs are typically consumed.
Honey	Avoids honey.	Honey is generally permitted.
Gelatin	Avoids all animal-derived additives.	May avoid gelatin, but not a strict rule.
Ethical Scope	Lifestyle philosophy avoiding animal exploitation in all areas.	Primarily a dietary choice.

Navigating a Vegan Lifestyle

Maintaining a vegan lifestyle involves careful product sourcing and nutritional planning, paying attention to key nutrients. This includes dietary planning with plant-based foods, utilizing fortified foods, reading labels carefully for hidden ingredients, and finding alternatives for various products.

Conclusion: A Commitment to a Cruelty-Free Life

Veganism is a comprehensive commitment extending beyond diet to minimize animal exploitation in all aspects of life. This includes food, clothing, entertainment, and other consumer choices. Being an informed consumer, supporting ethical brands, and ensuring proper nutrition allows individuals to successfully embrace a vegan lifestyle. For further information, consider visiting {Link: The Vegan Society https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/definition-veganism}.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, honey is not vegan as it is a product created by bees, and its harvesting is considered an act of animal exploitation by many in the vegan community.

A vegan product contains no animal-derived ingredients, while a cruelty-free product has not been tested on animals. A product can be cruelty-free but not vegan.

No. Many vegetarian foods contain animal products, such as dairy and eggs, which are excluded from a vegan diet.

No, vegans do not wear leather or wool because these materials are derived from animals, and their production is considered exploitative.

Yes, vegans avoid animal-derived food additives like gelatin and casein, which are present in various products.

Most vegans avoid supporting institutions like zoos or aquariums that hold animals captive for entertainment, aligning with the philosophy of avoiding animal exploitation.

Common hidden animal ingredients in cosmetics include beeswax, carmine, lanolin, collagen, and squalene.