What determines a vegan? Understanding the core principles

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2016 survey, the number of vegans in Britain increased by over 360% in a decade, driven by a deeper understanding of what determines a vegan. Moving beyond a simple dietary choice, veganism is defined by a multifaceted philosophy encompassing ethics, health, and environmental concerns.

Quick Summary

Veganism is a philosophical and lifestyle choice defined by the exclusion of all animal exploitation, extending beyond diet to encompass clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment.

Key Points

Exclusion of Animal Products: Veganism is defined by avoiding all animal-derived foods and materials, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, leather, and wool.
Ethical Motivation: A core tenet of veganism is the belief that animals should not be exploited or harmed for human benefit.
Beyond Diet: The vegan philosophy extends to a cruelty-free lifestyle, affecting choices in clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment.
Environmental Impact: Many vegans are motivated by the desire to reduce their environmental footprint, as animal agriculture contributes significantly to climate change.
Health Considerations: A well-planned vegan diet can offer health benefits but requires mindful supplementation for nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron.
Distinct from Vegetarianism: While vegetarians may consume dairy and eggs, vegans exclude all animal products, making it a more restrictive lifestyle.

The Core Principles of Veganism

At its heart, what determines a vegan is a philosophical commitment to excluding, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals. This foundational principle drives all vegan decisions, from diet to daily lifestyle choices, and is typically rooted in ethical, environmental, and health considerations.

Ethical Foundation: Compassion for Animals

Many vegans are motivated by ethical beliefs, asserting that all sentient beings deserve to live free from human exploitation for food, clothing, labor, or entertainment. This differs from vegetarianism, which primarily focuses on diet. Ethical vegans avoid all meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey due to their production involving animal exploitation. They also abstain from products like leather, wool, silk, fur, and cruelty-free cosmetics. Supporting businesses that profit from animal use, such as zoos or circuses, is avoided as well.

Environmental Impact: A Sustainable Choice

The environmental benefits of veganism are a significant factor. Animal agriculture contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and deforestation. Adopting a plant-based diet can significantly reduce one's environmental footprint. Studies indicate that vegan diets produce considerably fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to diets high in meat. The environmental case for veganism rests on the efficiency of consuming plants directly rather than indirectly through animal products.

Health and Wellness: The Dietary Motivation

Health is a key motivator for many adopting a vegan diet. A well-structured vegan diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Such diets are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. However, careful planning is essential to ensure adequate intake of nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, often requiring fortified foods or supplements.

Veganism vs. Vegetarianism: The Scope of Commitment

The primary distinction between veganism and vegetarianism lies in the extent to which animal products are excluded, as detailed below.


Aspect	Veganism	Vegetarianism
Dietary Restrictions	Excludes all animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey.	Excludes meat, poultry, and fish, but may include dairy, eggs, and honey.
Lifestyle Scope	Extends beyond food to exclude all animal exploitation.	Primarily a dietary choice.
Core Motivation	Typically driven by animal rights philosophy.	Motivations vary (ethics, health, environment), but are less restrictive.
Flexibility	Strict exclusion of all animal-derived products.	More flexibility with subcategories.

Navigating the Vegan Lifestyle Beyond the Plate

A vegan lifestyle encompasses more than just dietary choices, influencing various aspects of daily life:

Cruelty-Free Products: Vegans prioritize cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and personal care items that have not been tested on animals, often looking for specific certifications.
Clothing and Accessories: This involves avoiding materials such as leather, wool, silk, and down in favor of plant-based or synthetic alternatives.
Entertainment and Recreation: Vegans avoid activities that exploit animals, such as circuses or zoos, and may support animal sanctuaries instead.
Hidden Animal Ingredients: Diligence is required to identify and avoid animal-derived components, like gelatin, casein, whey, and honey, which can be present in unexpected products.

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Nature of Veganism

What determines a vegan is a combination of ethical, environmental, and health motivations, leading to a comprehensive lifestyle aimed at minimizing harm to animals. This commitment extends beyond diet to influence purchasing decisions across clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment. Whether driven by compassion, environmental concerns, or health goals, veganism represents a deliberate choice to live in a way that respects animal life as much as possible. Further information on vegan nutrition and lifestyle can be found through resources like the Vegetarian Resource Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, being a vegan is a broader philosophy beyond diet, seeking to exclude all forms of animal exploitation in lifestyle choices, including clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment.

No, vegans do not eat honey as it is an animal-derived product.

Vegetarians avoid meat but may eat dairy and eggs, while vegans avoid all animal-derived products, including eggs, dairy, and honey.

Yes, a varied vegan diet including lentils, chickpeas, tofu, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can provide sufficient protein.

Vegans often avoid zoos and circuses because they oppose animal exploitation for human entertainment, believing these practices mistreat sentient creatures.

Not all plant-based products are healthy; vegan junk food exists. Focusing on unprocessed, whole plant foods is key for optimal health.

Vegans should ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12, often through fortified foods or supplements. Vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids also require careful planning.