Understanding What Is a Religious Diet Called?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Across the globe, various religions prescribe specific dietary laws, with an estimated 84% of the world's population identifying with a religion that dictates certain food practices. There is no single universal name for what is a religious diet called; instead, these practices are known by names specific to each faith, such as kosher in Judaism or halal in Islam.

Quick Summary

There is no single term for a religious diet; the name depends on the specific faith, like Kosher for Judaism or Halal for Islam. These diets involve rules regarding which foods are permissible, how they are prepared, and specific fasting periods.

Key Points

No Single Name: There isn't a universal term; the name depends on the specific religion, such as Kosher for Judaism or Halal for Islam.
Kosher Dietary Laws: In Judaism, kashrut governs permissible foods, prohibiting pork and shellfish and mandating the separation of meat and dairy.
Halal Dietary Guidelines: Islam's guidelines define permissible foods, prohibiting pork, alcohol, and certain animals, while requiring a specific slaughter method.
Hinduism and Ahimsa: Many Hindus follow a lacto-vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat and honoring the cow due to the principle of non-violence.
Diverse Christian Practices: Dietary rules vary widely in Christianity, including fasting periods for Orthodox and Catholic believers and vegetarianism for some Seventh-Day Adventists.
More Than Nutrition: These diets are often viewed as a form of worship and spiritual discipline, strengthening community bonds and defining cultural identity.

Religious Dietary Laws: More Than Just Food

Religious diets are not merely about sustenance; they are a form of worship, discipline, and a way to connect with a divine power. They often serve to strengthen communal bonds and provide a shared identity. Adherents follow these rules, which can cover every aspect of food, from selection and preparation to consumption. For many, these laws dictate a way of life, not just what's on the plate.

Prominent Religious Diets and Their Rules

Different faiths have developed distinct traditions around food, with some having incredibly detailed laws while others offer general guidelines. Exploring these different approaches provides insight into the breadth of religious influence on diet.

Judaism and Kosher

The term "kosher" refers to Jewish dietary laws known as kashrut. Derived from the Torah, these rules are extensive and govern several areas of food consumption and preparation. Foods are categorized into three main types: fleishig (meat), milchig (dairy), and pareve (neutral). A fundamental rule is the separation of meat and dairy, which includes not only the food itself but also the utensils used. Pork and shellfish are explicitly forbidden, and the slaughter of permitted animals must be carried out by a trained individual, known as a shochet.

Islam and Halal

In Islam, "halal" designates foods that are permissible for consumption, as outlined in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. The opposite is haram, or forbidden. Key restrictions include the prohibition of pork and its by-products, alcohol, and carnivorous animals. The proper slaughter of animals, known as zabiha, is also a crucial component, requiring that the animal be healthy and that the name of Allah is invoked during the process. Unlike kosher laws, halal does not mandate the separation of meat and dairy.

Hinduism and Ahimsa

Many Hindus follow a lacto-vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat, poultry, and fish. This practice is rooted in the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence towards all living beings. The cow is considered a sacred animal, and therefore the consumption of beef is strictly prohibited. While vegetarianism is common, dietary practices can vary significantly based on regional traditions and specific sects within Hinduism. Some devout individuals also fast on specific days, abstaining from certain foods during these periods.

Christianity: Diverse Traditions

Christianity encompasses a wide range of dietary practices, which often vary by denomination. For example, some Orthodox Christians follow a number of fasts throughout the year, abstaining from meat, fish, dairy, and other foods. During Lent, many Catholics and other Christians observe a period of fasting or abstaining from certain foods, such as meat on Fridays. Some Seventh-Day Adventists follow a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat, poultry, and fish but allowing eggs and milk products. Alcohol is also often prohibited in this denomination. These examples demonstrate the diversity of dietary laws and traditions within Christianity, with some emphasizing fasting and others advocating specific lifestyle diets.

Comparison of Major Religious Diets


Aspect	Kosher (Judaism)	Halal (Islam)	Hinduism (Lacto-Vegetarian)
Pork Consumption	Prohibited	Prohibited	N/A (Meat is avoided)
Alcohol Consumption	Permissible (with exceptions)	Prohibited	Generally avoided by many
Meat & Dairy Mixing	Strictly Prohibited	Permissible	Not applicable
Required Slaughter	Yes (Shechita)	Yes (Zabiha)	Not applicable
Ethical Basis	Divine Commandment	Divine Commandment	Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

Beyond the Basic Rules: Social and Psychological Aspects

Adhering to a religious diet is often a profoundly social experience. It can reinforce social identity, especially within tight-knit communities. Shared food preparation and celebration of meals according to religious law can bring people closer together. On an individual level, the discipline required can be a form of spiritual practice, fostering a sense of mindfulness and obedience to a higher power. Conversely, navigating these rules in a secular world can present challenges, such as finding compliant food options and explaining one's choices to others.

Conclusion

While there is no single term for what is a religious diet called, the diverse practices across faiths like Kosher, Halal, and Hindu vegetarianism illustrate the powerful connection between food, faith, and culture. These diets serve not only as nutritional guidelines but as spiritual pathways, shaping the lives and communities of billions around the world. From the careful separation of foods in Jewish law to the principle of non-violence in Hinduism, these traditions reflect a deep respect for both the divine and the intricate relationship we have with what we eat. For further reading, consult authoritative sources such as the Healthline articles on Kosher and Halal diets for detailed comparisons and explanations.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Jewish religious diet is called kosher, which refers to the dietary laws of kashrut. These laws dictate which foods are permissible and how they must be prepared.

A Muslim religious diet is called halal. This term applies to all foods and actions that are permissible under Islamic law, as defined by the Quran.

Religious dietary restrictions are often tied to spiritual reasons, serving as a form of discipline, obedience to divine command, and a way to connect with a higher power. Some restrictions, like vegetarianism in Hinduism, are based on ethical principles such as non-violence (ahimsa).

No, kosher and halal are not the same, though they share some similarities, such as prohibiting pork. Key differences include kosher's strict separation of meat and dairy, which is not a rule in halal.

Many Hindus follow a lacto-vegetarian diet, which excludes meat, fish, and poultry but includes milk products. This is based on the principle of ahimsa (non-violence).

Fasting is a common practice in many religions, including Islam (Ramadan) and various Christian denominations (Lent). However, the rules and duration vary greatly between different faiths and denominations.

Yes, processed foods can be certified as kosher or halal, provided they adhere to the specific dietary laws of that religion. Certification bodies inspect and verify the production process to ensure compliance.