What's the Difference Between Vegetarian and Vegan?
Imagine you are at a pizza party with your friends. You see that some people are eating pizza with pepperoni, which is meat. Other people are eating pizza with just cheese and vegetables. This is a little like the difference between people who eat meat and people who are vegetarian or vegan. A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, but a vegan is someone who goes a step further and does not eat any products that come from an animal, like milk or eggs. Let's learn more about what makes these two ways of eating different!
What do vegetarians eat?
A vegetarian is a person who eats a plant-based diet, but may still eat some foods that come from animals. Here are some of the foods a vegetarian might enjoy:
- Fruits and Vegetables: All kinds of yummy fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries, and all kinds of vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and spinach.
- Grains and Beans: Things like rice, pasta, bread, and cereals. Also, foods like chickpeas, lentils, and black beans.
- Nuts and Seeds: Crunchy nuts like almonds and walnuts, and seeds like pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
- Dairy Products: This is where it gets different! Many vegetarians, called lacto-vegetarians, drink cow's milk and eat things made from it, like cheese, yogurt, and butter.
- Eggs: Many vegetarians, called ovo-vegetarians, eat eggs.
- Honey: Many vegetarians eat honey, which is made by bees.
What do vegans eat?
Vegans eat only foods that come from plants. They do not eat any meat, just like vegetarians, but they also do not eat any foods that come from animals at all. This includes foods like milk, eggs, and cheese. Here's what a vegan might eat:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Just like vegetarians, vegans eat all kinds of fruits and vegetables.
- Grains and Beans: They also eat all kinds of grains and beans.
- Nuts and Seeds: Vegans eat nuts and seeds too.
- Plant-Based Milk: Instead of milk from a cow, they drink milk made from plants like almonds, soy, or oats.
- Plant-Based Cheese and Butter: They use special cheese and butter made from plants.
- Honey Alternatives: Vegans do not eat honey because it comes from bees. Instead, they might use maple syrup or agave nectar.
The differences in a simple table
This table shows the main differences between vegetarian and vegan eating, making it easy to see what each group eats and what they don't.
| Vegetarian | Vegan | |
|---|---|---|
| Meat (including chicken and fish) | No | No |
| Dairy (like milk, cheese, yogurt) | Some eat it | No |
| Eggs | Some eat them | No |
| Honey | Yes, sometimes | No |
| Plant-Based Foods (fruits, veggies, grains) | Yes | Yes |
More than just food
For many vegans, their choice is about more than just food. It is a way of life. Vegans often try to avoid using any animal products, not just for food, but for other things too. For example:
- Clothing: They might not wear leather shoes, a belt made of leather, or jackets made of wool or silk.
- Other Products: Vegans also try to avoid using other things that come from animals, like certain soaps or makeup that were tested on animals.
Vegetarianism usually focuses only on food, though many vegetarians also care about animal welfare and the environment. So, while a vegetarian might wear a leather belt, a vegan would not.
Why do people choose these diets?
People choose to be vegetarian or vegan for many different reasons:
- Animal Welfare: Some people want to help animals and believe that not eating meat or other animal products is the kindest choice.
- The Environment: Choosing plant-based foods can be better for the Earth because raising animals for food uses a lot of water and land.
- Health: Some people feel healthier when they eat more fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
So, what is the difference between vegetarian and vegan class 3? A vegetarian avoids meat, but might still have dairy, eggs, and honey. A vegan avoids all products from animals, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Both ways of eating focus on delicious plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans. Whether someone is vegetarian or vegan, they are making a thoughtful choice about what they eat and how it affects animals and the world around them. For more information, the Vegan Society offers resources on the vegan lifestyle.
