What do vegetarians not consume? A comprehensive guide

Studies show that a well-planned vegetarian diet can offer significant health benefits. But beyond the obvious absence of meat, what do vegetarians not consume? The answer depends heavily on the specific type of vegetarian, encompassing various animal byproducts and derived ingredients.

Quick Summary

Vegetarians abstain from all animal flesh, but their consumption of animal byproducts like dairy and eggs varies depending on the diet type. Hidden animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, rennet, and certain food dyes must also be avoided for a truly vegetarian diet.

Key Points

• All Animal Flesh: Vegetarians universally abstain from all meat, including poultry and fish, which is the foundational rule of the diet.

• Hidden Byproducts: Ingredients like gelatin (from animal collagen) and animal rennet (in some cheeses) are typically not consumed by most vegetarians and require careful label-checking.

• Dietary Spectrum: The specific animal byproducts avoided depend on the type of vegetarian, such as Lacto-ovo, Ovo, or Lacto, which have differing rules on dairy and egg consumption.

• Cheese Concerns: Not all cheese is vegetarian due to the use of animal-derived rennet; traditional hard cheeses are particularly likely to contain it.

• Beyond The Obvious: A truly vegetarian diet requires diligence to avoid less obvious animal-derived ingredients, including certain food dyes (carmine) and refining agents (bone char).

• Vegan Exclusions: Vegans, representing the strictest form, go further by excluding all animal products and byproducts, such as eggs, dairy, and honey.

The Core Exclusions: Meat, Poultry, and Seafood

At its most fundamental level, a vegetarian diet strictly excludes all animal flesh. This includes red meat (like beef, pork, and lamb), poultry (chicken, turkey, and duck), and all types of fish and seafood (including shellfish and crustaceans). This core principle is the common thread that unites all forms of vegetarianism, differentiating it from an omnivorous diet. For many, this is a clear and simple rule to follow. However, for those who wish to adhere strictly to a vegetarian lifestyle, particularly for ethical reasons, the list of excluded items can become more complex due to the presence of less obvious animal-derived ingredients.

Understanding the Different Types of Vegetarian Diets

Not all vegetarians follow the same rules when it comes to animal byproducts like eggs and dairy. The term 'vegetarian' actually encompasses a spectrum of dietary choices, with different types based on what a person chooses to include alongside a plant-based diet. A well-planned diet is necessary to ensure all nutrient needs are met, regardless of the type chosen.

• Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian: The most common type of vegetarianism, followers of this diet abstain from meat, poultry, and fish, but still consume dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) and eggs.
• Lacto Vegetarian: This diet excludes all animal flesh and eggs, but permits the consumption of dairy products.
• Ovo Vegetarian: Followers of this diet avoid meat, poultry, fish, and dairy, but do consume eggs.
• Vegan: The strictest form of vegetarianism, vegans avoid all animal products and byproducts entirely. This includes meat, eggs, dairy, and often other items like honey.

Hidden Animal-Derived Ingredients to Watch For

One of the biggest challenges for new vegetarians is identifying the many hidden animal ingredients that can appear in processed foods, drinks, and even supplements. A vigilant eye for label reading is essential.

• Gelatin: A gelling agent made by boiling the skin, bones, and tendons of animals, commonly pigs and cattle. It is found in marshmallows, gummy candies, some yogurts, and pill capsules.
• Animal Rennet: An enzyme from a calf's stomach, it's used to coagulate milk in the cheesemaking process. Many traditional hard cheeses, such as authentic Parmesan and some cheddars, are made with animal rennet and are therefore not vegetarian.
• Carmine: A red food dye derived from crushed cochineal beetles. It can be found in a variety of foods and beverages, including certain candies and red juices.
• Isinglass: A fining agent made from fish bladders used to clarify some beers and wines.
• Whey and Casein: Milk proteins that are used as ingredients in many processed foods like crackers, breads, and protein bars. While consumed by lacto-vegetarians, these are off-limits for vegans.
• Lard and Tallow: Rendered animal fats used in some baked goods, refried beans, and frying oils.
• Refined Sugar: Some refined white sugar is processed using bone char, which is charcoal from charred animal bones, as a bleaching agent.
• L-Cysteine: An amino acid sometimes derived from animal hair or feathers, used as a dough conditioner in baked goods.

Table of Vegetarian Diet Inclusions and Exclusions

This table provides a quick overview of what is typically included and excluded in the most common types of vegetarian diets.

Diet Type	Meat, Fish, Poultry	Dairy	Eggs	Honey	Hidden Animal Byproducts (Gelatin, Rennet)
Lacto-Ovo	Excluded	Included	Included	Included	Excluded
Lacto	Excluded	Included	Excluded	Included	Excluded
Ovo	Excluded	Excluded	Included	Included	Excluded
Vegan	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded

Conclusion

Understanding what do vegetarians not consume goes far beyond the simple exclusion of animal flesh. For a truly vegetarian diet, especially for those with ethical concerns, it is crucial to be aware of the different types of vegetarianism and the various hidden animal-derived ingredients in processed products. By carefully reading food labels and understanding the nuances between lacto-ovo, lacto, ovo, and vegan diets, individuals can successfully navigate their food choices. This mindful approach ensures alignment with personal values, whether the motivation is for health, environmental, or ethical reasons.

For a detailed comparison of vegan vs. vegetarian diets, consult this guide from Healthline

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all cheese vegetarian?

No, not all cheese is vegetarian. Many traditional hard cheeses, such as authentic Parmesan and some cheddars, are made with animal rennet, an enzyme from a calf's stomach. However, many soft cheeses and vegetarian-friendly hard cheeses use microbial or plant-based rennet.

Do vegetarians eat eggs and dairy?

Whether a vegetarian eats eggs and dairy depends on the type of vegetarian diet they follow. Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat both eggs and dairy, lacto vegetarians consume dairy but not eggs, and ovo vegetarians consume eggs but not dairy.

What is gelatin made from?

Gelatin is a gelling agent made from processed collagen extracted by boiling the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, most commonly pigs and cattle. For this reason, it is not vegetarian or vegan.

What is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan?

The main difference is that a vegetarian diet excludes all animal flesh, while a vegan diet excludes all animal products and byproducts, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Veganism is a stricter form of vegetarianism.

Why is some sugar not vegetarian?

Some white sugar is processed using bone char, which is charcoal made from animal bones, as a bleaching and filtering agent. This practice makes the final product non-vegetarian. Sugar processed without bone char is suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for gelatin?

Yes, there are several plant-based alternatives for gelatin. The most common are agar-agar (derived from red algae) and pectin (from fruits). These can be used to achieve a similar gelling or thickening effect.

Do vegetarians avoid honey?

Honey is typically not considered vegetarian by strict vegans, as it is an animal byproduct made by bees. However, some vegetarians who consume other animal byproducts like dairy and eggs may choose to include honey in their diet.