What Does It Mean When Someone Says They Are Vegan?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Vegan Society, veganism is a philosophy and way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals. This means that when someone says they are vegan, they are making a comprehensive lifestyle commitment that extends far beyond just their food choices.

Quick Summary

Veganism is a lifestyle and philosophy that avoids all animal-derived products, including food, clothing, and entertainment, based on ethical, health, or environmental motivations.

Key Points

Lifestyle Choice: Veganism is a holistic lifestyle that goes beyond diet, addressing animal exploitation in all facets of life.
No Animal Products: Vegans avoid all animal-derived foods and materials, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, leather, and wool.
Multiple Motivations: People become vegan for ethical reasons (animal welfare), environmental concerns (sustainability), and potential health benefits.
More than Vegetarian: Veganism is a stricter commitment than vegetarianism, which typically allows for some animal by-products like dairy and eggs.
Nutrient Planning is Key: A well-planned vegan diet can be healthy but requires paying attention to key nutrients like Vitamin B12, often through fortified foods or supplements.
Common Myths Addressed: Misconceptions about protein deficiency and high cost can be easily debunked with proper planning and knowledge.

Beyond the Plate: The Core Philosophy of Veganism

For many, veganism is fundamentally an ethical position rooted in a deep concern for animal welfare. The official definition from The Vegan Society emphasizes the exclusion of animal exploitation and cruelty for any purpose—be it food, clothing, or other goods. This philosophical stance is what distinguishes a committed vegan from someone simply following a 'plant-based diet' for health reasons. While a plant-based diet refers strictly to eating plants and avoiding animal products, true veganism extends its principles to every aspect of life. This means ethical vegans also avoid products like leather, wool, and silk, and refuse to support industries that use animals for entertainment, such as circuses or zoos.

The Rise of Conscious Consumerism

The growth in veganism also reflects a broader societal trend toward conscious consumerism. This is evident in the proliferation of vegan alternatives in supermarkets and the rise of ethical, cruelty-free cosmetic and clothing brands.

A Breakdown of the Vegan Diet

At the heart of the vegan lifestyle is a diet completely free from animal products. A well-planned vegan diet is rich in variety and comprises a vast array of plant foods.

Foods that are part of a vegan diet:

Fruits and vegetables
Grains (rice, oats, quinoa, etc.)
Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
Nuts and seeds
Tofu, tempeh, and seitan
Nutritional yeast
Plant-based milks and cheeses (almond, soy, oat)

Foods excluded from a vegan diet:

Meat (including fish and poultry)
Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter)
Eggs
Honey
Gelatin and other animal-derived additives

Key Motivations for Embracing Veganism

People adopt a vegan lifestyle for a number of overlapping reasons. While individual motivations can vary, they generally fall into three main categories:

Ethical Concerns: Many vegans are primarily driven by a belief in animal rights and opposition to animal exploitation.
Environmental Impact: Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. Environmental vegans choose a plant-based diet to reduce their personal carbon footprint and minimize their environmental impact.
Health and Wellness: A well-balanced vegan diet is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and is often associated with lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Health-conscious individuals may adopt a vegan diet to improve their well-being and increase their intake of nutrient-dense foods.

Vegan vs. Vegetarian: A Comparison

While the terms are often confused, there are key differences in what veganism and vegetarianism entail. The distinction primarily lies in the avoidance of all animal by-products.


Aspect	Vegetarian	Vegan
Dietary Exclusions	Meat, poultry, fish, seafood.	All animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
Dietary Inclusions	May include dairy products, eggs, and honey.	Strictly plant-based foods.
Lifestyle Scope	Primarily focused on dietary choices.	Extends to clothing (avoiding leather, wool), cosmetics (cruelty-free), and entertainment (zoos).
Ethical Stance	Often focused on avoiding animal slaughter.	Focused on avoiding all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty.

Common Vegan Myths and Challenges

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can feel daunting, and many common misconceptions create unnecessary hurdles. These can be addressed with information and careful planning.

Myth: Vegan Diets Lack Protein

This is one of the most persistent myths. In reality, a vast number of plant-based foods are excellent sources of protein. By eating a varied diet, vegans can easily meet their protein needs.

Myth: Veganism is Expensive

While specialty vegan products can be costly, a vegan diet built on staples like rice, beans, lentils, pasta, and seasonal produce is very budget-friendly.

Challenge: Social Situations

Navigating social gatherings where non-vegan food is served can be a concern. Preparing a vegan dish to share or researching local restaurants with vegan-friendly options are simple ways to handle these situations. Educating yourself and communicating your choices kindly can make a big difference in how others perceive your lifestyle.

A Guide for Those Considering Veganism

Start with 'Veganizing' Favorites: Begin by adapting recipes you already love.
Stock Your Pantry: Keep essential vegan staples on hand, such as beans, grains, pasta, and various nuts and seeds.
Learn About Nutrition: Pay attention to key nutrients like Vitamin B12, which is primarily found in animal products. Consider fortified foods or supplements to ensure adequate intake.
Find Your Community: Connecting with other vegans can provide support, recipe ideas, and a sense of shared purpose.
Remember Your 'Why': Keeping your motivations at the forefront of your mind can help maintain your commitment during challenges.

For more resources and support, consider visiting The Vegan Society's official website.

Conclusion

To say, 'I am vegan,' is to express a commitment that embraces compassion for animals, environmental responsibility, and personal wellness. It represents a conscious decision to reject animal exploitation and cruelty wherever possible and to find alternatives that support a more ethical and sustainable world. Veganism is a dynamic and evolving lifestyle choice that is becoming increasingly accessible and popular.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is that vegans exclude all animal-derived products, including dairy, eggs, and honey, while vegetarians only exclude meat, poultry, and fish.

Vegans get protein from a wide variety of plant sources, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, nuts, and seeds. A varied plant-based diet provides all the essential amino acids needed.

While the diet is a core component, true veganism is a lifestyle and philosophy that extends to avoiding animal exploitation in all forms, including clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment.

It is crucial for vegans to ensure they get enough Vitamin B12, as it is primarily found in animal products. Many vegans rely on fortified foods or B12 supplements.

A well-planned vegan diet can be healthy for people of all ages, but it requires careful planning to meet all nutritional needs. Some vulnerable populations, like children or pregnant women, may require extra attention to specific nutrients.

A vegan diet does not have to be expensive. By focusing on whole, budget-friendly staples like grains, beans, and seasonal vegetables, it can be very affordable. The cost often depends on the reliance on specialty products.

Common replacements include using tofu for scrambled eggs, plant-based milks (like soy or oat) for dairy, and mashed banana or flaxseeds as egg replacers in baking.