What is it called if you don't eat eggs?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there are several recognized variations of vegetarian diets, but the most precise term for a vegetarian who doesn't eat eggs is a 'lacto-vegetarian'. This article clarifies this and other related dietary labels, such as a vegan diet, which also excludes eggs.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the terminology for an egg-free diet, explaining the difference between lacto-vegetarian, vegan, and ovo-vegetarian diets. It explores the reasons people avoid eggs and discusses how to ensure nutritional needs are met on an egg-free eating plan.

Key Points

Lacto-Vegetarian: This term refers to a vegetarian who consumes dairy products but avoids eggs.
Vegan: A vegan diet excludes all animal products and by-products, which naturally includes eggs.
Dietary Reasons: People may avoid eggs due to allergies, taste preferences, or to follow a specific health regimen.
Ethical Choices: Concerns over animal welfare in egg production are a common reason for eliminating eggs from one's diet.
Proper Label Reading: Hidden egg ingredients like albumen or lecithin can be found in many processed foods, so checking labels is crucial.

Understanding the Terminology: Lacto-Vegetarian vs. Vegan

For many, navigating the world of vegetarian and plant-based diets can be confusing, especially when specific foods are excluded. If you don't eat eggs, the most accurate vegetarian term to describe your diet is lacto-vegetarian. The 'lacto' prefix comes from the Latin word for milk, signifying the consumption of dairy products, while the absence of 'ovo' (Latin for egg) indicates eggs are excluded. A more common and encompassing term for someone who doesn't eat eggs is simply vegan, which includes the exclusion of all animal products, including dairy. The term you use depends on your consumption of dairy and other animal-derived products.

Why People Choose to Avoid Eggs

There are several reasons people may adopt a diet free of eggs, ranging from health concerns to ethical beliefs. For many, an egg allergy is the driving force. Egg allergies are a common food sensitivity, and for those affected, eliminating eggs is necessary for their health. Others make the choice for ethical reasons related to animal welfare. Some are concerned about the conditions of egg-laying hens, especially in industrial farming environments, and may choose to avoid eggs entirely or opt for pasture-raised options from trusted sources. Religious and cultural beliefs also play a role for some individuals, with certain traditions regarding eggs differently than other animal products.

The Role of Eggs in Different Diets

Understanding the various dietary labels helps clarify what exactly a person is choosing to eat or avoid. The distinction between these terms is crucial for accurate communication and meal planning.


Diet Type	Description	Eats Dairy?	Eats Eggs?	Eats Meat/Fish?
Lacto-Vegetarian	Avoids meat, fish, and eggs but includes dairy products like milk and cheese.	Yes	No	No
Vegan	Excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.	No	No	No
Ovo-Vegetarian	Excludes meat, fish, and dairy products but includes eggs.	No	Yes	No
Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian	Excludes meat and fish but includes dairy products and eggs.	Yes	Yes	No
Pescatarian	Excludes meat and poultry but includes fish, eggs, and dairy.	Varies	Varies	No (except fish)

How to Ensure Proper Nutrition on an Egg-Free Diet

Eliminating eggs from your diet requires conscious planning to ensure you still get all the necessary nutrients. While eggs are a good source of protein and vitamins, there are many plant-based alternatives that can fill the nutritional gaps. Here is a list of ways to maintain a balanced diet without eggs:

Protein: Legumes (like lentils, beans, and peas), nuts, seeds, and soy products (tofu, tempeh) are excellent sources of plant-based protein.
Vitamin B12: This vitamin is predominantly found in animal products, so those on a vegan or lacto-vegetarian diet may need fortified foods (such as plant milks or cereals) or supplements to get enough.
Vitamin D: While some is obtained from sun exposure, dietary sources include fortified products, certain UV-treated mushrooms, and some specific supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts are rich in plant-based omega-3s.
Baking Substitutes: For baking, common egg replacements include mashed banana, applesauce, ground flaxseeds mixed with water (flax egg), and commercial egg replacers.

The Importance of Label Reading

Whether you are avoiding eggs due to an allergy or personal preference, it is essential to be vigilant when reading food labels. Eggs can be hidden in many processed foods and ingredients under different names. Look out for terms such as albumen, lecithin, globulin, and any ingredient beginning with 'ovo-'. Always be cautious with baked goods, pasta, certain sauces like mayonnaise, and processed meats, as they often contain egg products as binders or emulsifiers. A vegan certification on a product can serve as a quick confirmation that it is egg-free. For those with allergies, cross-contamination is another important factor to consider, particularly when dining out or purchasing items from bakeries.

Conclusion

In summary, if you do not eat eggs, your dietary label depends on whether you consume dairy. A vegetarian who avoids eggs but eats dairy is a lacto-vegetarian, while someone who avoids all animal products, including eggs and dairy, is a vegan. By understanding these terms and paying attention to nutritional needs and ingredient lists, it is entirely possible to maintain a healthy and fulfilling egg-free diet. Being well-informed is the first step toward making dietary choices that align with your health requirements, ethical stance, or personal preferences.

Authoritative Outbound Link for more info on egg substitutes: Johns Hopkins Medicine: Egg-Free Diet

Frequently Asked Questions

A lacto-vegetarian consumes dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, but avoids eggs and meat. A vegan, on the other hand, avoids all animal products and by-products, including both dairy and eggs.

Some people choose a lacto-vegetarian diet because it provides the benefits of a plant-based diet while still allowing for the nutritional contributions of dairy, such as calcium and vitamin B12. Others have ethical concerns about meat but not dairy and eggs.

Yes, a well-planned egg-free diet can provide all necessary nutrients. You can get protein from legumes, nuts, and tofu, while fortified foods or supplements can provide vitamins like B12 and D that are often associated with animal products.

Several plant-based options can replace eggs in baking. These include mashed banana, applesauce, a mixture of ground flaxseeds and water, and commercial egg replacers.

Eggs can appear under different names in ingredient lists. Look for words like albumen, ovalbumin, lysozyme, and lecithin. Any ingredient starting with 'ovo-' also indicates the presence of eggs.

No, not all vegetarian diets are egg-free. Some types, like the lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, include both dairy and eggs, while ovo-vegetarian diets include eggs but exclude dairy.

No, eggs are not a dairy product. A diet that is dairy-free may or may not include eggs. It is a common misconception that all dairy-free foods are also egg-free, so it's important to check labels carefully.