What is a Flexible Vegan Called? Defining the 'Flexitarian'

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 survey, an estimated 13% of people in the UK identify as flexitarian, a flexible vegetarian. If you've ever wondered, "What is a flexible vegan called?" the answer is flexitarian, a term that describes individuals who follow a predominantly plant-based diet but occasionally include meat or other animal products. This dietary style allows for greater adaptability than strict vegan or vegetarian diets.

Quick Summary

The term for a flexible vegan is 'flexitarian,' a semi-vegetarian eating pattern that emphasizes plant-based foods but includes meat and animal products in moderation. It is more flexible than strict veganism or vegetarianism and is often adopted for health or environmental reasons.

Key Points

Flexitarian is the official term: A flexible vegan is called a 'flexitarian,' a combination of 'flexible' and 'vegetarian'.
Semi-vegetarian diet: This is a semi-vegetarian diet that prioritizes plant-based foods but allows for the occasional, moderate consumption of meat, fish, and dairy.
Less restrictive than veganism: Unlike vegans who avoid all animal products for ethical reasons, flexitarians adopt a more adaptable approach, making it a popular transition for those reducing meat.
Gradual and personal: There are no strict rules; individuals can tailor their flexitarian diet by starting with meatless days or gradually decreasing meat portions.
Health and environmental benefits: The flexitarian diet is linked to health benefits like lower body weight and a reduced risk of chronic diseases, as well as a smaller environmental footprint due to reduced animal product consumption.
Not a trend, but a lifestyle: Many view flexitarianism as a sustainable lifestyle choice rather than a restrictive, temporary diet.

Understanding the 'Flexible' Vegan: The Rise of the Flexitarian

The concept of a "flexible vegan" has gained traction as more people seek to reduce their meat consumption without committing to a fully restrictive diet. The widely recognized term for this eating pattern is "flexitarian," a portmanteau of "flexible" and "vegetarian". Coined in 2008 by registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner, this approach encourages eating mostly plants while leaving room for occasional meat and dairy. This flexibility is a key reason for its growing popularity, with many seeing it as a more sustainable long-term lifestyle change than a strict, all-or-nothing diet.

What Defines the Flexitarian Approach?

Unlike traditional vegetarian or vegan diets, flexitarianism has no rigid rules. Instead, it operates on a spectrum, allowing individuals to customize their intake of animal products based on their personal preferences, health goals, and ethical considerations. The core principles focus on what to include in the diet rather than what to restrict:

Emphasis on Plant-Based Foods: The foundation of the diet consists of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Occasional Animal Products: Meat, fish, poultry, and dairy are not off-limits but are consumed in smaller, less frequent amounts.
Prioritizing Minimally Processed Foods: Flexitarians often seek out whole, natural foods and limit added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Gradual Implementation: The transition to a flexitarian diet is often gradual, starting with a few meatless days per week and increasing plant-based meals over time.

Comparing Flexitarianism with Other Diets

Understanding the nuances between a flexitarian diet and other plant-based or semi-vegetarian diets is key. While some terms might seem similar, they have important distinctions.


Dietary Pattern	Description	Inclusion of Animal Products
Vegan	Excludes all animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey.	None. Often extends to lifestyle choices beyond diet.
Vegetarian	Excludes all meat, fish, and poultry, but often includes eggs (ovo-) and dairy (lacto-).	Varies based on subtype (e.g., lacto-ovo, lacto, ovo).
Flexitarian	Primarily plant-based, with occasional, moderate consumption of meat and animal products.	Small amounts of meat, fish, dairy, and eggs on occasion.
Pescatarian	Excludes all meat and poultry but includes fish and seafood.	Fish, seafood, and often eggs and dairy.
Pollotarian	Excludes red meat and pork but includes poultry.	Poultry, and typically fish, eggs, and dairy.
Reducetarian	The general practice of intentionally and gradually reducing one's consumption of meat and animal products.	Intentional reduction, not a fixed pattern.

The Health and Environmental Benefits of Flexitarianism

The appeal of the flexitarian diet extends beyond its flexibility. Numerous studies highlight the health and environmental advantages associated with this semi-vegetarian style of eating.

Health Benefits

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Research indicates that diets focused on whole, plant-based foods can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. This is often due to the higher fiber and lower saturated fat intake.
Improved Weight Management: The higher fiber content of plant-based foods promotes satiety, which can assist with weight management. Studies show flexitarians may have a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those on an omnivorous diet.
Enhanced Digestive Health: The emphasis on fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports a healthy gut microbiome and improves digestion.

Environmental Benefits

Smaller Carbon Footprint: By reducing meat consumption, particularly red meat, flexitarians can significantly lower their environmental impact. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and even a partial shift towards plant-based eating can make a difference.
Increased Sustainability: The flexitarian model promotes a more sustainable food system by decreasing the demand for resource-intensive animal products.

How to Begin a Flexitarian Lifestyle

Starting a flexitarian diet is less daunting than committing to full veganism. It is a journey of small, manageable steps. Many find success by implementing one or more of the following tactics:

Start with Meatless Mondays: Dedicate one day a week to entirely plant-based eating to build momentum.
Focus on Plant-Based Proteins: Explore alternatives like tofu, tempeh, lentils, and beans to ensure you are getting enough protein on vegetarian days.
Meal Planning: Plan meals in advance to incorporate more plant-based recipes. This helps ensure balanced nutrition and makes grocery shopping easier.
Experiment with Global Cuisine: Many cuisines, such as Indian and Mediterranean, naturally feature a rich variety of plant-based dishes.
Eat "Less But Better" Meat: When you do consume meat or animal products, choose high-quality, ethically and sustainably sourced options. For more practical tips on this approach, consider exploring guides on sustainable eating practices.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, the term for a flexible vegan is 'flexitarian.' This style of eating offers a middle ground for those interested in the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet without the strict constraints of veganism or vegetarianism. It is a pragmatic and adaptable lifestyle that can be personalized to fit individual needs and preferences. By focusing on whole, nutritious, plant-based foods and consciously reducing animal product intake, one can significantly improve their health and contribute to a more sustainable planet.

Conclusion

The term for a flexible vegan is a flexitarian, and this diet represents a modern, accessible pathway toward healthier and more sustainable eating. It provides a powerful alternative to traditional omnivorous diets by emphasizing plant foods while accommodating a flexible approach to meat and animal products. By defining a flexible vegan as a flexitarian, we highlight a growing movement of conscious eaters who are making a significant, positive impact on their personal well-being and the planet. This balanced approach is both practical and effective for long-term dietary change.

Frequently Asked Questions

The terms 'flexitarian' and 'semi-vegetarian' are often used interchangeably to describe a dietary pattern that is primarily plant-based but includes occasional meat consumption. Flexitarian is a more modern and widely used term.

Yes, flexitarians typically include dairy and eggs in their diet, although they consume them in moderation along with other occasional animal products. The emphasis remains on plant-based foods.

There are no strict rules on how often a flexitarian eats meat; it varies from person to person. Some might have meat once or twice a week, while others might reserve it for special occasions.

Yes, adopting a flexitarian diet can support weight management. Its focus on high-fiber, low-calorie plant foods, combined with a reduction in processed meats and saturated fats, can lead to a lower body weight compared to a standard omnivorous diet.

A flexitarian diet is generally considered better for the environment than a conventional omnivorous diet. By reducing the demand for animal agriculture, which has a significant environmental impact, flexitarianism helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and conserve resources.

While a well-planned flexitarian diet can provide most nutrients, it's important to monitor intake of certain nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are more readily available in animal products. Supplements or fortified foods may be necessary to ensure adequate intake.

Yes, flexitarianism is more of a sustainable lifestyle than a temporary diet. Its flexible nature and focus on positive additions (more plants) rather than strict restrictions make it a manageable and enjoyable long-term approach for many.