What is Meant by 100% Vegan?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

In 1944, Donald Watson first coined the term 'vegan' to describe a lifestyle that seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation and cruelty to animals. Although the term is often used for dietary purposes, 100% vegan is an ethical stance that affects every aspect of life.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the complete scope of 100% veganism. It goes beyond diet to include all products and practices free from animal exploitation. Discover dietary rules, fashion choices, and the ethical core of the commitment.

Key Points

Core Philosophy: 100% veganism is an ethical commitment to avoid animal exploitation, not just a diet.
Dietary Exclusion: All food and drink derived from animals, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, are strictly excluded.
Lifestyle Impact: The ethical stance extends beyond diet to include clothing (e.g., leather, wool), cosmetics, and household goods.
Cruelty-Free Standard: Products must be both vegan (no animal ingredients) and cruelty-free (not tested on animals).
Entertainment Choices: 100% vegans avoid entertainment that uses or exploits animals, such as zoos or circuses.
Plant-Based Distinction: Unlike a plant-based diet focused on health, 100% veganism is an uncompromised ethical lifestyle choice.
Practicality Clause: The core philosophy includes a 'as far as is possible and practicable' clause, acknowledging unavoidable situations like certain medications.

The Core Philosophy of 100% Veganism

Unlike a simple dietary choice, 100% veganism is rooted in a guiding philosophy. At its heart is the principle of minimizing harm to animals as far as is possible and practicable. This ethical viewpoint drives choices not only in the kitchen but in shopping, entertainment, and even medicine. For a 100% vegan, the rejection of animal products is not merely a health or environmental preference but a commitment to animal liberation and rights.

Beyond the Plate: Food and Nutrition

The dietary aspect of 100% veganism, while the most recognized, is only one part. It necessitates the complete abstinence from all products derived wholly or partly from animals. This includes meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, and honey. Vigilant label reading is crucial to avoid hidden animal ingredients like gelatin, casein, and whey.

Clothing, Cosmetics, and Household Goods

A 100% vegan lifestyle extends to consumer choices beyond food. This means avoiding products where animals were used for materials or testing. Examples include clothing made from leather, fur, wool, or silk, and cosmetics or household products that are not certified as both vegan (no animal ingredients) and cruelty-free (not tested on animals). The availability of ethical vegan alternatives, such as plant-based leather, is increasing.

Entertainment and Other Areas of Life

Adherence to a 100% vegan lifestyle also involves avoiding the exploitation of animals for entertainment purposes. This encompasses attractions like zoos, circuses with animal performers, and animal sports. The principle of 'as far as possible and practicable' is also applied to complex areas like medicine, where avoiding animal-tested medications might not always be feasible.

100% Vegan vs. Plant-Based: A Comparison

Understanding the distinction between 100% veganism and a plant-based diet, a term often used interchangeably, is crucial. The table below highlights key differences:


Aspect	100% Vegan	Plant-Based
Primary Motivation	Ethical stance against animal exploitation and cruelty.	Health, environmental, or personal preference.
Scope	Comprehensive lifestyle: diet, clothing, cosmetics, entertainment, etc..	Primarily focused on dietary choices.
Dietary Flexibility	No exceptions; strict avoidance of all animal products.	Can be flexible; may include occasional small amounts of animal products.
Ethical Sourcing	Actively seeks products not tested on animals and free of animal derivatives.	Does not necessarily consider animal testing or broader product ethics.
Processed Foods	Avoids animal products but may include processed vegan junk foods.	Often emphasizes whole, minimally refined foods; processed plant-based items may be excluded.

The Practicalities of a 100% Vegan Lifestyle

Living a 100% vegan lifestyle demands research and awareness due to the prevalence of animal products in everyday items. Resources like trusted certifications, such as The Vegan Trademark, can help identify genuinely vegan products. Navigating social situations and finding support within the vegan community are also practical aspects of this commitment. The '100%' reflects the commitment to the ethical philosophy, acknowledging that complete avoidance of all animal products may not always be possible in every circumstance.

Conclusion: The Holistic Commitment of 100% Veganism

In essence, being 100% vegan signifies a way of life dedicated to consciously avoiding all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, as much as is practicable. It is a deep ethical commitment influencing diet, purchasing habits, and lifestyle choices. More than just dietary restrictions, it is a statement of compassion and a commitment to animal welfare that permeates daily life. It represents a principled approach towards a more compassionate world.

Further Resources

For more information on the ethical and practical aspects of veganism, the organization that coined the term is an invaluable resource: The Vegan Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

A vegan diet focuses solely on eating plant-based foods and avoiding all animal products. Being 100% vegan, or an ethical vegan, extends this philosophy beyond diet to include a complete lifestyle free from animal exploitation, including clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment.

Yes, this is typically acceptable under the 'as far as possible and practicable' clause of ethical veganism. Such warnings relate to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing, not intentional inclusion, and avoiding every such product is often not feasible.

No, honey is not considered vegan. As it is a product made by bees, it is derived from an animal and is therefore excluded from a 100% vegan lifestyle.

No, they are not the same. 'Plant-based' generally refers to a diet centered on plants and is often chosen for health or environmental reasons. The term '100% vegan' signifies a deeper ethical commitment that governs all lifestyle choices, not just food.

For cosmetics, 100% vegans look for products certified by reputable third parties like The Vegan Society, Vegan.org, or PETA. These certifications verify that the product contains no animal ingredients and was not tested on animals.

For many, this falls under the 'as far as possible and practicable' part of the definition. If no non-animal-tested alternative is available and the medication is necessary for health, ethical vegans typically prioritize their health, as it is not 'practicable' to go without.

100% vegans typically avoid any form of entertainment that involves animal exploitation. This includes attractions like zoos, aquariums, circuses with animal performers, and any form of animal racing or fighting.