What are vegetarian and non-vegetarian called?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

Globally, up to an estimated 75% of the population includes meat in their diet. While a person who abstains from animal flesh is known as a vegetarian, the terminology for what are vegetarian and non-vegetarian called depends on the specific foods they include or exclude from their diet. These labels go beyond a simple 'yes' or 'no' to meat and include various subcategories.

Quick Summary

This article explains the correct terms for individuals with different dietary habits, from those who eat both plants and animals to specific types of vegetarians, vegans, and those who limit meat consumption. It clarifies common misconceptions and details the distinct sub-classifications for different dietary practices.

Key Points

Vegetarian: A person who abstains from eating all animal flesh, including red meat, poultry, and fish.
Non-Vegetarian / Omnivore: A person who eats both plants and animals; humans are biologically classified as omnivores.
Variations: The term 'vegetarian' includes sub-types like Lacto-Ovo (includes dairy and eggs), Lacto (includes dairy), and Ovo (includes eggs).
Vegan: The strictest form, avoiding all animal-derived products, including eggs, dairy, and honey.
Flexitarian: An individual who primarily eats a plant-based diet but occasionally consumes meat or fish, also known as semi-vegetarian.
Pescetarian: A person who avoids all animal flesh except for fish and seafood.
Informed Choices: Using specific dietary labels helps to accurately describe an individual's eating habits for health, ethical, and personal reasons.

Defining the core terms

At its most basic, the answer to "what are vegetarian and non-vegetarian called?" revolves around two primary biological classifications: omnivores and herbivores. Humans, due to their physiology, are biologically omnivores, capable of deriving nutrition from both plants and animals. However, the modern context adds several other, more specific labels.

Vegetarian: A person who follows a diet that excludes meat, poultry, and fish. There are several variations depending on whether dairy and eggs are included.
Non-Vegetarian (Omnivore): A person who consumes both plants and animals. The term 'non-vegetarian' is particularly common in India to denote this eating pattern. In a scientific context, an omnivore is any animal that eats both plants and animals.

The many shades of vegetarianism

The term "vegetarian" itself is a broad umbrella covering several distinct eating patterns. These sub-groups are differentiated by the specific animal-derived products they choose to include or exclude. These variations often stem from ethical, environmental, or health-related convictions.

A breakdown of vegetarian sub-types

Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian: The most common form of vegetarianism. This person eats dairy products ('lacto') and eggs ('ovo') but no animal flesh.
Lacto-Vegetarian: This individual consumes dairy products but avoids eggs and animal flesh. This practice is common in some parts of India, where dairy products are a significant part of the cuisine.
Ovo-Vegetarian: This diet includes eggs but excludes all dairy products and animal flesh.
Vegan: The strictest form, excluding all animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and often honey or other animal-derived ingredients. For many, veganism is not just a diet but a lifestyle that avoids all animal exploitation.

Understanding non-vegetarian variations

Just as there are shades of vegetarianism, there are also classifications for those who do eat meat. These terms help to define specific restrictions, even within a non-vegetarian diet.

Pescetarian: A person who abstains from all animal flesh except for fish and other seafood. They often still consume dairy and eggs. This diet is often chosen for health benefits, as fish provides essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Pollotarian: An individual who eats poultry (like chicken and turkey) but avoids red meat and pork. The etymology comes from the word 'pollo,' meaning chicken in Spanish and Italian.
Flexitarian: Sometimes called a semi-vegetarian, this is a person who eats a primarily plant-based diet but occasionally includes meat, poultry, or fish. This flexible approach allows individuals to reap some health benefits of a plant-focused diet without completely eliminating meat.

Dietary pattern comparison table


Feature	Vegan	Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian	Pescetarian	Flexitarian	Omnivore (Non-Vegetarian)
Meat	No	No	No	Sometimes	Yes
Poultry	No	No	No	Sometimes	Yes
Fish/Seafood	No	No	Yes	Sometimes	Yes
Dairy	No	Yes	Yes (often)	Yes	Yes
Eggs	No	Yes	Yes (often)	Yes	Yes
Primary Focus	Ethical/Animal Welfare	Health/Religious	Health	Flexibility	No dietary restrictions

Conclusion: The importance of clear labels

The question of "what are vegetarian and non-vegetarian called?" reveals a far more complex set of definitions than a simple binary answer. From strict vegans to occasional meat-eaters, the various labels—including omnivore, pescetarian, and flexitarian—provide a nuanced way to describe individual dietary choices. As more people become conscious of their eating habits for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, using the correct terminology becomes essential for clear communication. Whether you eat meat, abstain from it, or follow a hybrid approach, understanding these different classifications allows for a more informed and respectful conversation around food and diet. The next time you encounter a dietary choice different from your own, you'll be equipped with the right vocabulary to understand the specific pattern being followed.

Outbound Link: For further details on the different classifications of vegetarianism, you can refer to the Wikipedia entry on Vegetarianism.

Frequently Asked Questions

A person who eats both plants and animals is called an omnivore. In a modern, less scientific context, they might simply be referred to as a 'non-vegetarian' or, if their diet is primarily plant-based with occasional meat, a 'flexitarian'.

No, a pescetarian is not considered a true vegetarian. While they don't eat red meat or poultry, they do consume fish and seafood, which are animal flesh. A true vegetarian abstains from all animal flesh.

The terms are often used to describe the same dietary pattern in which a person eats both plants and animals. 'Omnivore' is the scientific classification for an animal species with this diet, while 'non-vegetarian' is a common colloquialism, particularly in India.

A person who includes eggs in their diet but excludes meat, poultry, fish, and dairy is called an ovo-vegetarian. The 'ovo' part of the name is derived from the Latin word for egg.

A plant-based diet is a broad term for an eating pattern that emphasizes foods derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes. This can include diets that are entirely vegan or vegetarian, but also more flexible patterns that incorporate small amounts of animal products.

A flexitarian is a semi-vegetarian who follows a mostly plant-based diet but occasionally incorporates meat, poultry, or fish into their meals. The name combines 'flexible' and 'vegetarian' to indicate a less strict approach.

No, a vegetarian does not eat seafood. A person who consumes seafood but no other animal flesh is specifically known as a pescetarian. The Vegetarian Society states that vegetarianism excludes all animal flesh.