For many, the question, "What do you call a person who doesn't eat chicken?" seems straightforward, but the answer requires exploring the different shades of plant-based and meat-restricted diets. The simplest term for someone who avoids chicken, along with all other meat, is a vegetarian. However, the landscape of modern eating habits is far more nuanced, giving rise to terms for those who exclude only specific types of meat, such as poultry.
The Specific Term: Pollotarianism
The most precise term for a person who eats an otherwise vegetarian diet but includes poultry (like chicken and turkey) is a pollotarian, or sometimes "pollo-vegetarian". This term combines the Spanish word for chicken, "pollo," with "tarian" from vegetarian. A pollotarian consciously avoids red meat and pork but continues to consume chicken. This approach is often seen as a transitional diet for those moving towards full vegetarianism or for those concerned about the health or environmental impacts of red meat production.
Other Related Semi-Vegetarian Diets
While pollotarianism is specific, other dietary patterns have similar, though distinct, exclusions. Understanding these helps define a person's specific eating habits more accurately.
- Pescatarian: This person avoids all meat and poultry but eats fish and seafood. A pescatarian is a common semi-vegetarian identity that excludes chicken. The term comes from the Italian word for fish, "pesce," and describes a diet rich in plants, grains, and seafood.
- Flexitarian: This is a broader, more flexible term. A flexitarian is primarily a plant-based eater but occasionally includes meat, poultry, or fish. It's for someone who might not eat chicken regularly but does so on occasion. The name indicates flexibility rather than strict adherence to one type of meat restriction.
Why People Choose Not to Eat Chicken
The reasons behind excluding chicken from one's diet are varied and personal. For some, the choice is part of a larger ethical consideration about the treatment of animals, while for others it is purely for health or taste.
- Health Concerns: Some individuals believe red meat is less healthy than white meat like chicken. In a pollotarian diet, this leads to the exclusion of red meat, but it's also common for people to avoid chicken specifically due to concerns over farming practices, hormones, or antibiotic use. The emphasis is on overall dietary health, with chicken being viewed as less ideal than other protein sources, or simply a personal aversion.
- Environmental Impact: The environmental footprint of food production is a growing concern. While red meat often gets the most attention for its impact, many people seek to reduce their overall meat consumption, and cutting chicken is part of that effort. Adopting a more plant-heavy diet is a key way to reduce an individual's carbon footprint.
- Taste or Texture: A simple, but very common, reason is that a person simply does not like the taste or texture of chicken. It may be an acquired taste that they never developed, or they may find it unappealing compared to other proteins or vegetarian options.
Comparison of Diets Excluding Chicken
| Dietary Type | Includes Poultry? | Includes Red Meat? | Includes Fish? | Includes Dairy/Eggs? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | No | No | No | Depends (Lacto-Ovo) | Standard definition of meat-free. |
| Vegan | No | No | No | No | Excludes all animal products entirely. |
| Pescatarian | No | No | Yes | Often yes | Excludes all land animal meat. |
| Pollotarian | Yes | No | No | Often yes | Specifically excludes red meat but includes poultry. |
| Flexitarian | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Often yes | Primarily plant-based with occasional meat. |
Creating Chicken-Free Meal Plans
For those who don't eat chicken, whether due to a specific diet like pescatarianism or just personal preference, meal planning can be simple and creative. A wide variety of ingredients can replace chicken in recipes without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Protein Alternatives
- Plant-Based Proteins: Tofu, tempeh, seitan, and lentils are excellent chicken substitutes. Tofu and tempeh can be marinated and fried to mimic chicken's texture in dishes like stir-fries or salads. Lentils and chickpeas are ideal for adding bulk and protein to curries, stews, and wraps.
- Seafood: For pescatarians, fish like salmon, cod, and tuna, or shellfish like shrimp and scallops, can be the star of a meal. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while cod and other white fish offer a lighter flavor profile.
- Eggs and Dairy: Lacto-ovo vegetarians rely on eggs and dairy for protein. Eggs can be scrambled, fried, or baked into quiches and frittatas, while cheese adds richness to a variety of dishes.
Culinary Inspirations
Chicken-free diets often open the door to a world of diverse and flavorful cuisines. Exploring international recipes can reveal new ways to prepare protein without relying on poultry. For instance, many Indian and Mexican dishes are naturally vegetarian and chicken-free. Similarly, Mediterranean cooking often focuses on fish and plant-based ingredients.
Conclusion
So, what do you call a person who doesn't eat chicken? The answer depends on their full dietary scope. If they also exclude all other meats, they are a vegetarian. If they eat fish but no chicken or red meat, they are a pescatarian. However, the most specific term for someone who avoids only red meat while still consuming chicken and fish is a pollo-pescatarian, and someone who eats poultry but no red meat is a pollotarian. The growth of these specific labels reflects a modern understanding of diet that moves beyond a simple vegetarian or meat-eater dichotomy. For those curious about a specific person's diet, the best practice is always to ask politely for clarification. This ensures you understand their dietary needs, whether for cooking, dining out, or casual conversation, and respects their personal eating choices.
For further reading on the different types of vegetarian diets, see the detailed breakdown on Healthline's site.(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/types-of-vegetarians)
