What Foods Would a Vegetarian Not Eat? A Comprehensive Guide

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

A common misconception is that vegetarians only avoid red meat and poultry, when in fact their diet excludes a wider range of animal-derived products and by-products. Understanding these exclusions is key to navigating the world of plant-based eating, whether you are considering a transition or simply cooking for a vegetarian friend.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the dietary exclusions of vegetarians, covering obvious animal flesh and detailing common hidden animal-derived products found in processed foods, dairy, and desserts.

Key Points

No Animal Flesh: Vegetarians do not eat red meat, poultry, or fish, regardless of the type of vegetarian diet followed.
Hidden Ingredients: Animal-derived products like gelatin (from collagen), animal rennet (in cheese), and lard (pork fat) are common non-vegetarian additives.
Dairy and Eggs Vary: Whether a vegetarian eats dairy or eggs depends on their specific diet; lacto-ovo vegetarians eat both, lacto-vegetarians eat dairy but not eggs, and ovo-vegetarians eat eggs but no dairy.
Read Labels Carefully: Processed foods, gravies, and some baked goods often contain hidden animal products, making label-reading a critical skill for vegetarians.
Many Substitutes Exist: Plant-based alternatives for ingredients like rennet and gelatin are widely available, allowing vegetarians to enjoy a vast array of foods.
Not a 'Vegan' Diet: A vegetarian diet is different from a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, including honey.

Understanding the Core of a Vegetarian Diet

At its heart, a vegetarian diet is defined by abstaining from meat, which includes all red meat, poultry, and seafood. However, the scope of avoidance can differ significantly based on the specific type of vegetarianism practiced. Unlike vegans, who avoid all animal products, most vegetarians continue to consume certain animal by-products like dairy and eggs. This distinction is crucial for understanding what foods are off-limits.

Obvious Animal Products to Avoid

For any type of vegetarian, the most fundamental rule is to avoid the flesh of any animal. This includes:

Red Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, venison, and all their processed forms like sausage and bacon.
Poultry: Chicken, turkey, duck, and any foods made with them.
Fish and Seafood: All fish, as well as shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster. People who eat fish but no other meat are called pescatarians, not vegetarians.

Hidden Animal-Derived Ingredients to Scrutinize

Beyond whole animal flesh, many processed and packaged foods contain less obvious animal-derived ingredients. Vegetarians must be vigilant in reading food labels to ensure these are not present. Some of the most common hidden ingredients include:

Gelatin: This is a gelling agent made from animal collagen, typically from pig or cow bones and skin. It is found in marshmallows, gummy candies, gelatins (like Jell-O), certain fortified cereals, and some pharmaceutical capsules.
Rennet: A set of enzymes traditionally sourced from the stomach lining of young ruminant animals like calves, used to coagulate milk in cheesemaking. Not all cheese uses animal rennet; vegetarian-friendly microbial or plant-based rennet options exist. Checking labels or opting for certified vegetarian cheese is essential.
Lard: Rendered pork fat, often used in baked goods, refried beans, and pie crusts. Many companies now use vegetable shortening as an alternative.
Fish Sauce: A common ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, made from fermented fish. It is not vegetarian and should be avoided.
Certain Broths and Stocks: Many canned soups, gravies, and restaurant dishes use chicken or beef broth as a base. It is important to ask about the ingredients or use vegetable stock instead.
Casein and Whey: These milk proteins are common additives in many foods. While they come from dairy and are consumed by lacto-ovo vegetarians, vegans and some lacto-vegetarians will avoid them.

The Gray Area: Dairy and Eggs

One of the most confusing aspects of vegetarianism for outsiders is the varied stance on dairy and eggs. The specific type of vegetarian diet determines whether these foods are included.

Comparison of Vegetarian Diet Types


Diet Type	Meat/Poultry/Fish	Dairy Products	Eggs
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian	Excludes	Includes	Includes
Lacto-Vegetarian	Excludes	Includes	Excludes
Ovo-Vegetarian	Excludes	Excludes	Includes
Vegan	Excludes	Excludes	Excludes

Lacto-ovo vegetarians, who represent a large portion of the vegetarian population, will eat dairy and eggs without issue. Those following a lacto-vegetarian diet will consume dairy products but not eggs, while ovo-vegetarians consume eggs but no dairy. The most stringent, the vegan diet, excludes all animal products, including honey.

Navigating the Supermarket and Dining Out

For vegetarians, especially those new to the diet, grocery shopping and eating out require careful attention. Look for certified vegetarian labels, which provide peace of mind that no animal-derived ingredients were used. When cooking, familiarize yourself with common vegetarian alternatives, such as agar-agar for gelatin or microbial rennet for cheese. When dining at restaurants, it is always wise to ask about ingredients in gravies, sauces, and soups, as these are often made with meat-based broths. Many restaurants are now more accommodating to dietary restrictions, but it is always best to double-check.

Conclusion: The Evolving Face of Vegetarianism

What foods a vegetarian would not eat varies depending on the individual's specific dietary pattern, but the foundational principle is the avoidance of all animal flesh. Beyond the obvious, being aware of hidden animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, rennet, and lard is essential for a truly vegetarian diet. By understanding the different types of vegetarianism and staying vigilant with food labels, individuals can confidently navigate a meat-free lifestyle. For those exploring the diet, the wide variety of plant-based options and substitutes available today makes it easier than ever to enjoy a diverse and fulfilling range of meals. For more information on vegetarian diets, see the in-depth guide from the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some vegetarians, specifically lacto-ovo vegetarians, do eat eggs and dairy. However, lacto-vegetarians avoid eggs, and ovo-vegetarians avoid dairy. The strictest vegetarians, called vegans, avoid all animal products entirely.

Not all cheese is vegetarian. Traditional cheese is often made with animal rennet, an enzyme from a calf's stomach. Many modern cheese producers use microbial or plant-based rennet, and these products are suitable for vegetarians. Always check the label.

Gelatin is a gelling agent made from animal collagen, which comes from the bones and skin of animals like pigs and cows. Vegetarians avoid it because it is a direct animal by-product, and it is commonly found in gummy candies, marshmallows, and gelatins.

No, vegetarians avoid food cooked in animal broth, such as chicken or beef broth, as these are made from animal parts. It is important to ask about ingredients in soups, gravies, and sauces when dining out.

Yes, many processed foods contain hidden animal-derived ingredients. Examples include gelatin, lard (pork fat), and some emulsifiers. Reading ingredient lists carefully and looking for vegetarian certifications is the best way to be certain.

Common plant-based alternatives include tofu and seitan for meat, agar-agar or carrageenan for gelatin, and microbial rennet for cheese. There are also many commercial brands that offer vegetarian and vegan versions of common products like sausages and burgers.

The key difference is that pescatarians eat fish and seafood, while vegetarians do not eat any animal flesh, including fish.