What Is It Called If You Eat Seafood But Not Meat? Pescetarianism Explained

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2018 survey, approximately 3% of the global population identifies as pescetarian, which is what it is called if you eat seafood but not meat. This increasingly popular dietary choice integrates fish and other aquatic animals into an otherwise vegetarian-style diet, often for health, environmental, or ethical reasons.

Quick Summary

This eating style combines a plant-based diet with the inclusion of fish and seafood. This approach attracts people looking for a nutritious and often more sustainable alternative to traditional meat-heavy diets. The dietary pattern offers a balance of nutrients from plant and marine sources.

Key Points

Pescetarianism Defined: The diet combines a vegetarian approach with the addition of fish and seafood.
Health Benefits: The diet is rich in omega-3s and is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes.
Environmental Perks: Avoiding land-based meat significantly reduces one's carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.
Smart Seafood Choices: To minimize mercury risk and support sustainability, choose smaller fish and check resources like the Seafood Watch program.
Diverse Diet: This pattern offers more protein options and dining flexibility than a strict vegetarian diet, making it easier to maintain long-term.

What Exactly Is Pescetarianism?

At its core, what is it called if you eat seafood but not meat? A pescetarian diet is essentially a vegetarian diet that includes fish and other aquatic animals, but excludes meat from land animals and poultry. The term itself is a portmanteau of the Italian word for fish, "pesce," and the word "vegetarian". A pescetarian's meals typically focus on a wide variety of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, with fish and shellfish serving as a primary protein source. Some pescetarians may also consume dairy and eggs, while others follow a stricter interpretation. This flexibility is one reason many people find the diet accessible and sustainable long-term.

Motivations for Choosing a Pescetarian Diet

People adopt this dietary pattern for several compelling reasons, which are a blend of personal health goals, ethical considerations, and environmental concerns.

Health Benefits: Many individuals are drawn to the pescetarian diet due to its potential health advantages. Fish, especially fatty varieties like salmon and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health. By forgoing red meat, pescetarians reduce their intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, potentially lowering their risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Environmental Impact: Shifting away from land-based meat, particularly red meat, can significantly lower an individual’s environmental footprint. Studies have shown that pescetarian diets produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and have a lower overall environmental impact compared to diets that include meat and poultry. Choosing sustainably sourced seafood is a way to minimize harm to marine ecosystems.
Ethical Concerns: For some, pescetarianism serves as a transitional diet toward full vegetarianism or veganism. Others may be ethically opposed to the factory farming of land animals but feel less concerned about the welfare of fish. The diet can also be adopted for religious reasons, as seen in certain fast periods in Christianity or in Jewish dietary laws.

What Pescetarians Eat and Avoid

Foods Eaten by Pescetarians:

Fish: Salmon, tuna, trout, cod, etc.
Shellfish: Shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters, clams
Plant-Based Foods: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds
Dairy (Optional): Milk, cheese, yogurt
Eggs (Optional): Whole eggs

Foods Excluded by Pescetarians:

Red Meat: Beef, pork, lamb
Poultry: Chicken, turkey
Game Meats: Venison, bison

Pescetarianism vs. Other Plant-Forward Diets

Understanding how pescetarianism differs from other common diets can clarify this eating style. Here is a comparison table outlining the key distinctions:


Food Group	Pescetarian	Vegetarian	Vegan
Land Animals (Beef, Poultry, Pork)	No	No	No
Fish and Seafood	Yes	No	No
Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese)	Optional	Yes	No
Eggs	Optional	Yes	No
Honey	Optional	Yes	No
Primary Protein Sources	Plants, Fish, Eggs/Dairy	Plants, Eggs/Dairy	Plants Only
Flexibility	High (more dining options)	Medium	Lower (strictest restrictions)

Potential Drawbacks of a Pescetarian Diet

While generally considered healthy, a pescetarian diet isn't without its potential pitfalls, which require careful management.

Mercury Exposure: Certain types of fish, particularly larger, longer-lived species like shark and swordfish, can accumulate higher levels of mercury. The US Food and Drug Administration provides guidelines, and pregnant women and young children are often advised to limit their intake of certain fish. Opting for smaller fish and sourcing from transparent, sustainable fisheries can mitigate this risk. An excellent resource for checking seafood sustainability is the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program.
Nutrient Gaps: Like any restrictive diet, inadequate planning can lead to nutrient deficiencies. While fish provides key nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3s, careful meal planning is still necessary to ensure sufficient intake of iron and zinc, especially if dairy and eggs are excluded.
Processing: It is possible to be an unhealthy pescetarian by relying heavily on processed grains and fried fish, rather than focusing on whole foods. Prioritizing a variety of minimally processed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is crucial for reaping the full benefits of this dietary pattern.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to what is it called if you eat seafood but not meat? is pescetarianism. This dietary choice offers a blend of plant-based eating with the nutritional benefits of fish and seafood, providing a flexible and often healthier alternative to meat-heavy diets. By carefully managing seafood consumption to minimize mercury intake and choosing sustainable options, individuals can enjoy the many health advantages of this approach while aligning their diet with ethical and environmental values. Ultimately, a well-planned pescetarian diet can be a delicious and sustainable path to improved well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a pescetarian is not a vegetarian. While they both abstain from meat and poultry, pescetarians include fish and seafood in their diet, whereas vegetarians do not consume any animal flesh at all.

The primary protein sources for a pescetarian are fish and seafood, supplemented by plant-based proteins from sources like beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.

Health benefits include a lower risk of heart disease due to omega-3 fatty acids, better brain health, and reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and some cancers compared to meat-heavy diets.

Some pescetarians include eggs and dairy in their diet, while others do not. The inclusion of these products is a matter of personal choice and not a strict rule of the diet.

Potential downsides include the risk of mercury or other contaminants from certain types of fish, and the need for careful meal planning to ensure adequate intake of nutrients like iron and zinc.

A good way to start is by gradually reducing meat and poultry consumption, while incorporating your favorite seafood dishes. Focusing on a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean fish is key.

The diet generally has a lower environmental impact than a traditional omnivorous diet, especially in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is important to choose sustainably sourced seafood to minimize harm to marine life.