What Do You Call a Partial Vegetarian? Understanding the Terms

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2020 Gallup poll, nearly one in four Americans have cut back on eating meat over the past year. If you are wondering what to call a partial vegetarian, the most common terms are 'flexitarian' or 'semi-vegetarian,' which describe someone who primarily eats a plant-based diet but occasionally includes meat or fish. This dietary pattern has become increasingly popular due to its health, environmental, and ethical benefits.

Quick Summary

The most accurate term for someone who is a partial vegetarian is 'flexitarian' or 'semi-vegetarian,' describing a flexible, mostly plant-based diet. Other related terms include 'pescetarian' (fish but no other meat) and 'pollotarian' (poultry but no red meat). This guide clarifies the different classifications and what each entails.

Key Points

Term Clarification: The most common and accurate terms for a partial vegetarian are 'flexitarian' or 'semi-vegetarian', which describe a flexible, mostly plant-based diet.
Specific Variations: Diets that avoid specific types of meat also exist, such as 'pescetarian' (eats fish, no other meat) and 'pollotarian' (eats poultry, no red meat).
Health Benefits: A flexitarian or semi-vegetarian diet is linked to lower body weight, a healthier BMI, and reduced risk of chronic diseases due to increased plant-based foods.
Environmental Impact: By reducing meat consumption, even partially, you can help lower your personal carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
Starting Slowly: The most effective way to become a partial vegetarian is to start gradually, perhaps by replacing one or two meat-based meals with plant-based alternatives each week.
Focus on Whole Foods: For maximum benefits, emphasize whole plant foods and high-quality animal products when consumed, while minimizing processed foods and added sugars.

Flexitarian: The Most Popular Term for a Partial Vegetarian

Many people are reducing their meat intake without fully committing to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The most modern and widely accepted term for this is 'flexitarian'. Coined from 'flexible' and 'vegetarian,' this eating pattern emphasizes a predominantly plant-based diet, with occasional and moderate consumption of meat, poultry, or fish. There are no strict rules, making it a highly adaptable lifestyle rather than a rigid diet plan. A flexitarian diet often includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, with the occasional addition of animal products.

The Health and Environmental Benefits of Going Flexitarian

Adopting a flexitarian diet is associated with numerous health advantages. Research indicates that reducing meat consumption can lead to lower body weight, a healthier body mass index (BMI), and a decreased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. This is largely due to increased fiber intake from plants and reduced consumption of saturated fats found in red and processed meats. Beyond personal health, flexitarianism also offers environmental benefits by reducing an individual's carbon footprint. A plant-forward diet requires fewer resources, such as land and water, compared to a meat-heavy diet.

Other Categories of Semi-Vegetarian Diets

While 'flexitarian' is a general term, more specific dietary classifications exist for those who avoid certain types of meat. These are considered forms of semi-vegetarianism.

Pescetarian: A diet that excludes all meat and poultry but includes fish and seafood. Many pescetarians also include dairy and eggs in their diet. This diet is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids from fish.
Pollotarian: This eating pattern includes poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) but no red meat or pork. Some pollotarians also eat fish and are sometimes called 'pollo-pescetarians'. This is often seen as a transitional diet for those moving towards full vegetarianism.
Reducetarian: This term applies to anyone who is actively and consciously reducing their consumption of meat, poultry, and fish. This is a more broadly defined approach focused on the process of reduction rather than a specific dietary makeup.

Lists of Allowed and Avoided Foods

To help clarify these different semi-vegetarian diets, here is a quick guide to what is typically included and excluded:

Commonly Allowed in All Partial Vegetarian Diets

Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Legumes (beans, lentils)
Nuts and seeds
Healthy fats (olive oil, avocados)
Dairy products and eggs (varies by individual, but often included)

Specific Foods Based on Diet Type

Pescetarian: Includes fish and seafood. Excludes red meat and poultry.
Pollotarian: Includes poultry. Excludes red meat and seafood.
Flexitarian: Includes all of the above, but limits meat and fish consumption to occasional occurrences.

Comparison of Partial Vegetarian Diets


Diet Type	Meat	Poultry	Fish/Seafood	Dairy & Eggs
Flexitarian / Semi-Vegetarian	Occasionally	Occasionally	Occasionally	Often included
Pescetarian	Never	Never	Yes	Often included
Pollotarian	Never	Yes	Never	Often included
Pollo-pescetarian	Never	Yes	Yes	Often included
True Vegetarian	Never	Never	Never	Included (Lacto-Ovo)

How to Get Started as a Partial Vegetarian

For those interested in transitioning to a partial vegetarian lifestyle, a gradual approach is often most successful. You can start by implementing a 'Meatless Monday' and gradually increasing the number of plant-based meals you eat each week. A good starting point is to focus on adding more plant-based foods rather than just eliminating animal products. Experimenting with diverse cuisines, such as Mediterranean, Asian, or Indian, can introduce new and exciting flavors that don't rely heavily on meat. Focusing on nutrient-dense foods like legumes (beans, lentils), tofu, nuts, and seeds will help ensure you get adequate protein and other essential nutrients.

For more structured guidance, resources like the Mayo Clinic's article on meatless meals can be very helpful in exploring the benefits and practicalities of this eating pattern. Additionally, consulting with a registered dietitian can ensure you meet all your nutritional needs during the transition. The flexibility of being a partial vegetarian means you can find a balance that works for your personal health goals, ethics, and lifestyle.

Conclusion: Flexibility is Key

Ultimately, a person described as a partial vegetarian is a 'flexitarian' or 'semi-vegetarian,' embracing a plant-forward eating pattern that is less rigid than traditional vegetarianism. Whether you choose to be a pescetarian (no meat except fish) or a pollotarian (no red meat), the underlying principle is to reduce animal product consumption and increase plant-based foods. The benefits—for both your health and the environment—are well-documented, making any step towards a more flexible, plant-rich diet a positive one. The key is finding a sustainable and enjoyable balance that suits your personal needs and values, allowing you to reap the benefits of more mindful eating without the pressure of full restriction.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no significant difference, as the terms are often used interchangeably. 'Flexitarian' is a more modern and popular term that emphasizes the flexible nature of the diet, while 'semi-vegetarian' is a more traditional, medical term with the same meaning.

Yes, it does. Many studies have shown that even a moderate reduction in meat consumption and an increase in plant-based foods can significantly improve heart health, lower blood pressure, aid in weight management, and reduce the risk of certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.

Nutrient deficiencies are less likely than on a fully vegetarian or vegan diet, but still possible if not well-planned. It is important to ensure adequate intake of nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3s, which are often found in higher concentrations in animal products. A balanced diet or supplements may be necessary.

A pollotarian diet is a semi-vegetarian diet that includes poultry, such as chicken and turkey, but excludes all red meat and pork. Some pollotarians may also eat fish and seafood, making them a 'pesce-pollotarian'.

A pescetarian diet is a type of semi-vegetarianism where a person does not eat meat or poultry but includes fish and seafood in their diet. It is considered a heart-healthy diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Yes, in most cases. Most flexitarians, pescetarians, and pollotarians include dairy and eggs in their diet. These can provide additional protein and nutrients. However, some individuals may choose to exclude them based on personal preference or health reasons.

The best first step is to increase your consumption of plant-based meals slowly. Try dedicating one or two days a week to meatless meals, focus on adding more fruits and vegetables to your plate, and experiment with different plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, and tofu.