What is a plant-based diet also known as?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 survey, around 4% of the global population identifies as vegetarian, a dietary pattern that falls under the broader term: a plant-based diet. But many people are still unsure of what is a plant-based diet also known as, often confusing it with veganism or vegetarianism. This article will clarify the distinctions and explore the various forms of plant-based eating.

Quick Summary

The term "plant-based diet" is an umbrella term that includes several variations, such as vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets. The precise name depends on the degree of restriction of animal products and the focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Common misconceptions arise from the flexible nature of the phrase compared to the more rigid definition of veganism.

Key Points

Spectrum of Diets: The term 'plant-based' is an umbrella term covering several dietary patterns, not just one.
Distinct from Veganism: Unlike veganism, which is primarily ethical, 'plant-based' originated in the health science community and can be more flexible.
Whole Foods Focus: A whole foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet specifically emphasizes minimally processed plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Health and Environmental Benefits: Adopting a plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases and has a reduced environmental impact.
Mindful Nutrition: A balanced plant-based diet requires attention to key nutrients like B12, iron, and calcium, potentially requiring supplements or fortified foods.
Variety of Names: Depending on the inclusion of eggs, dairy, or fish, it may also be called vegetarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian, or pescatarian.

Demystifying the Terminology: Plant-Based vs. Other Diets

One of the most significant sources of confusion regarding plant-based eating is the lack of a single, universally accepted definition. While a vegan diet is strictly defined as the exclusion of all animal products for ethical reasons, the term "plant-based" originated in the scientific community with a focus on health, not animal welfare. The defining feature is an emphasis on whole, minimally processed foods derived from plants.

The Whole Foods, Plant-Based (WFPB) Diet

Perhaps the most accurate synonym for the original concept is a whole foods, plant-based diet. This approach focuses on consuming:

Fruits and vegetables
Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice)
Nuts and seeds
Healthy oils from plants like olives and avocados

It minimizes or excludes animal products, refined sugars, and processed foods. The emphasis is on the quality and source of the food, not just its plant origin. For example, a bag of potato chips might be considered vegan, but it would not be part of a whole foods, plant-based diet due to its highly processed nature.

Comparing Plant-Based and Similar Diets

To better understand what is a plant-based diet also known as, it is helpful to compare it with other related dietary patterns. The key distinction often comes down to the inclusion or exclusion of animal products and the focus on food processing.


Dietary Pattern	Description	Inclusion of Animal Products	Focus on Whole Foods
Plant-Based	A flexible diet emphasizing whole plant foods.	Often includes small or moderate amounts, but not always.	High priority on whole and minimally processed foods.
Vegan	Excludes all animal products for ethical or health reasons.	None.	Can include processed foods, not always whole foods.
Vegetarian	Excludes meat, poultry, and fish.	Can include eggs and/or dairy.	Focuses more on exclusion, not necessarily whole foods.
Flexitarian	Primarily vegetarian, but with occasional consumption of meat or fish.	Occasional meat, poultry, or fish.	Variable; can be a good starting point for plant-based eating.

Health and Environmental Benefits of Plant-Based Eating

Adopting a plant-based diet is associated with numerous health and environmental advantages. From a health perspective, studies show links to lower risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The high fiber content and abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in plant foods are key drivers of these benefits.

From an environmental standpoint, plant-based eating is more sustainable. Meat production, especially red meat, accounts for a significant portion of food-related greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting towards a more plant-centric diet can significantly reduce one's carbon footprint and conserve resources.

Nutritional Considerations for a Plant-Based Diet

While generally healthy, a strictly plant-based diet requires careful planning to ensure all nutritional needs are met.

Vitamin B12: This vitamin is not naturally present in plant foods, so vegans must obtain it through fortified foods (like some cereals or plant milks) or supplements.
Iron: While plant-based diets are high in iron, it is less readily absorbed than iron from animal products. Consuming Vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron sources can enhance absorption.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Vegans need to seek fortified plant milks, tofu, and leafy greens for calcium, and ensure adequate vitamin D through supplements or fortified products, especially during winter.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts provide omega-3s, but some people may benefit from an algae-based supplement for specific long-chain omega-3s.

Conclusion

So, what is a plant-based diet also known as? The answer is not a single word, but rather a spectrum of dietary patterns, from the more flexible flexitarian approach to the strictly defined vegan diet. The key element uniting these is an emphasis on consuming foods derived from plants. The term "whole foods, plant-based" most accurately reflects the health-centric origin of the diet, focusing on minimally processed ingredients. Choosing the right name depends on the specific dietary rules followed, but at its heart, it is a versatile and healthy way to eat. Those considering this transition should focus on incorporating a wide variety of whole plant foods while being mindful of essential nutrient intake. For more information on health, nutrition, and wellness, please visit Healthline.com, a trusted resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while a vegan diet is a type of plant-based diet, the terms are not interchangeable. A vegan diet strictly excludes all animal products, while a plant-based diet focuses on prioritizing plant foods and may include some animal products in smaller quantities.

A whole foods, plant-based diet (WFPB) is a more specific variant that centers on unprocessed or minimally refined plant foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while excluding or minimizing animal products and refined ingredients like sugar and oil.

A flexitarian diet is an eating pattern that is mostly vegetarian but allows for the occasional consumption of meat, poultry, or fish. It's often viewed as a stepping stone to a more fully plant-based lifestyle.

Those following a strictly plant-based diet, especially veganism, need to ensure adequate intake of Vitamin B12, as it is not found in plants. Some may also need to pay attention to calcium, iron, and omega-3s, which can be addressed through fortified foods or supplements.

Highly processed foods, even if derived from plants (like some veggie burgers or snacks), are typically minimized in a health-focused plant-based diet. A key focus is on whole, natural ingredients.

Common and healthy alternatives include legumes (like lentils, chickpeas, and beans), tofu, tempeh, and seitan. These are rich sources of plant-based protein.

A whole foods, plant-based diet based on staples like grains, beans, and seasonal vegetables can be very affordable. The cost can increase with the consumption of specialty vegan products or highly processed alternatives, but these are often unnecessary for a healthy diet.