What is a Veggie Eater Called? Understanding Different Plant-Based Diets

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

The term 'vegetarian' first appeared in the English language in the 19th century to describe those abstaining from meat and fish. While this remains the most common term, a variety of labels exist to describe different eating patterns focused on plant-based foods, from strict elimination of all animal products to more flexible approaches.

Quick Summary

A person who primarily eats vegetables is typically called a vegetarian, though this label encompasses several dietary patterns. Key variations include vegan, which excludes all animal products, and more flexible options like pescetarian and flexitarian.

Key Points

Vegetarian: The standard term for someone who eats no meat, poultry, or fish, though they may consume dairy and eggs.
Vegan: A stricter diet that eliminates all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
Sub-categories of Vegetarians: Include lacto-ovo (dairy and eggs), lacto (dairy only), and ovo (eggs only) vegetarians.
Pescetarian: A semi-vegetarian diet that excludes meat and poultry but includes fish and seafood.
Flexitarian: A diet that is mostly plant-based but includes meat or fish occasionally.
Motivations: Common reasons for these dietary choices include ethical concerns for animals, potential health benefits, and reducing environmental impact.

The question of what a 'veggie eater' is called has a simple answer, yet a complex reality. The most direct and widely understood term is vegetarian. However, this single label often fails to capture the nuances of plant-focused eating, as modern diets include a spectrum of choices based on health, ethical, or environmental considerations. This article explores the specific terminology used to describe various plant-based and semi-plant-based diets.

The Core Definition: What is a Vegetarian?

At its core, a vegetarian is an individual who abstains from eating meat, which includes red meat, poultry, and fish. Despite this simple definition, the diet can vary based on the inclusion of animal by-products like dairy and eggs. It's a common misconception that all vegetarians avoid all animal products; in reality, many include these items in their diet. The different classifications help to clarify these distinctions, moving beyond a single, all-encompassing term.

Subcategories of Vegetarianism: Lacto, Ovo, and Lacto-Ovo

The term 'vegetarian' acts as an umbrella for several more specific dietary patterns, which are often defined by their inclusion or exclusion of eggs and dairy.

Lacto-ovo vegetarian: This is the most common type of vegetarian diet in the Western world. It excludes meat, poultry, and fish but includes both dairy products (like milk, cheese, and yogurt) and eggs.
Lacto-vegetarian: This diet excludes meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, but allows the consumption of dairy products.
Ovo-vegetarian: This pattern excludes meat, poultry, fish, and dairy, but permits eggs.

The Strict Plant-Based Diet: Veganism

For those who follow a complete plant-based lifestyle, the term vegan is used. A vegan diet is the strictest form of a 'veggie eater' diet, as it prohibits all animal products and by-products. This includes not only meat, poultry, and fish but also dairy, eggs, honey, and any ingredients derived from animals, such as gelatin or whey.

Beyond just diet, many people who identify as vegans extend this philosophy to other areas of their life, avoiding non-food items like leather, wool, and cosmetics tested on animals. The distinction between a vegan and a vegetarian is crucial for clarifying the full scope of one's commitment to avoiding animal exploitation.

Beyond True Vegetarianism: Pescetarians and Flexitarians

In recent years, the rise of semi-vegetarian or partial vegetarian diets has introduced new labels to the lexicon. These terms describe individuals who primarily eat plant-based foods but make certain exceptions.

Pescetarian: This term describes someone who avoids all meat and poultry but includes fish and seafood in their diet. A pescetarian diet is not strictly vegetarian, as it includes animal flesh, but it is often considered a transitionary step towards a fully plant-based diet.
Flexitarian: Also known as a semi-vegetarian, a flexitarian eats a predominantly plant-based diet but includes meat and animal products on occasion. The name is a blend of 'flexible' and 'vegetarian' and doesn't adhere to strict rules, but emphasizes reducing meat consumption rather than complete elimination.

What Drives the Choices of a Veggie Eater?

The reasons behind adopting these diets are as varied as the diets themselves. For many, the choice is driven by a combination of ethical, health, and environmental factors.

Ethical Concerns: Many vegetarians and vegans choose their diets out of respect for animal life and a desire to avoid animal exploitation. This can involve opposition to the killing of animals for food or concerns over factory farming practices.
Health Benefits: Numerous studies have shown that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with lower risks of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. They can also support weight management and improved overall diet quality.
Environmental Impact: Plant-based diets generally have a smaller environmental footprint than diets heavy in meat and dairy. This is due to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption associated with animal agriculture.

Comparison of Diets


Dietary Pattern	Meat (Red Meat, Poultry)	Fish/Seafood	Dairy Products	Eggs	Animal By-products (e.g., honey, gelatin)
Vegan	No	No	No	No	No
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian	No	No	Yes	Yes	Sometimes
Lacto-Vegetarian	No	No	Yes	No	Sometimes
Ovo-Vegetarian	No	No	No	Yes	Sometimes
Pescetarian	No	Yes	Yes/No	Yes/No	Yes/No
Flexitarian	Sometimes	Sometimes	Yes/No	Yes/No	Yes/No

Conclusion: More Than Just a Name

While 'vegetarian' remains the most common answer to 'What is a veggie eater called?', understanding the distinctions is important. The terms vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, ovo-vegetarian, pescetarian, and flexitarian each describe a unique approach to plant-based eating. Choosing the right label can help individuals communicate their dietary needs and preferences more clearly, reflecting the diverse motivations—from animal welfare to personal health—that drive these dietary choices. The move towards consuming less meat, regardless of the label, is a growing trend with significant implications for human health and the environment.

For more in-depth information on the environmental sustainability of plant-based diets, the National Institutes of Health provides relevant studies on topics like greenhouse gas emissions and land use.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key difference is that vegans avoid all animal products and by-products, including eggs, dairy, and honey, while many vegetarians, specifically lacto-ovo vegetarians, do not.

No, a pescetarian is not a vegetarian. While they abstain from red meat and poultry, they include fish and seafood, which are still animals.

A flexitarian diet is primarily plant-based but allows for the occasional consumption of meat and other animal products. It's a less restrictive approach focused on reducing meat intake.

Not necessarily. While many plant-based diets are linked to health benefits, a person's overall health depends on the quality of their diet. A 'veggie eater' who consumes lots of processed junk food may be less healthy than an omnivore with a balanced diet.

Vegans often need to supplement for vitamin B12, as it is not naturally found in plant-based foods. Vegetarians who consume dairy and eggs can usually get sufficient B12 and other nutrients.

Reasons vary widely and can include ethical objections to animal slaughter, a desire to improve personal health, concern for the environmental impact of animal agriculture, and religious or cultural beliefs.

Yes, well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are considered appropriate for individuals at all stages of the life cycle, including infancy and childhood, according to nutrition experts.