Who do not eat milk products are called?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2021 review, 57% to 65% of people worldwide have some form of lactose malabsorption, but this does not mean they all avoid dairy. A person who avoids all milk products is most broadly defined as following a dairy-free diet, but a more specific term is a vegan, who also avoids all other animal products like meat and eggs.

Quick Summary

This article explores the specific terminology for individuals who avoid milk products, distinguishing between a vegan, who excludes all animal products, and those who follow a dairy-free diet for reasons like allergies or intolerance. It also covers related dietary variations like ovo-vegetarianism and explains the key motivations behind these choices.

Key Points

Terminology Varies: An individual who does not eat milk products can be called a vegan if they also avoid all other animal products, or simply follow a dairy-free diet if their restriction is only related to milk.
Veganism is a Lifestyle: Veganism is a philosophy and way of living that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation, including for food like dairy, as well as for clothing or other purposes.
Dairy-Free can be Health-Based: Many people follow a dairy-free diet due to medical conditions such as lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy, which are different from ethical veganism.
Related Diets Exist: An ovo-vegetarian is a specific type of diet that excludes both meat and dairy but includes eggs, further showing the nuances within dairy-free eating.
Navigating Ingredients is Key: It is important to read labels on processed foods and prepared meals, as milk products and derivatives can be hidden ingredients.
Nutrient Planning is Important: For those avoiding milk products, careful meal planning is essential to ensure adequate intake of nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, often supplemented through fortified foods.

Understanding the difference: Vegan vs. dairy-free

While the term 'vegan' is commonly used, the most precise term for someone who avoids milk products depends on whether they avoid only dairy or all animal products. A vegan abstains from all animal-derived foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy, often based on ethical, environmental, or health concerns. Coined in 1944, veganism is distinct from vegetarianism, which may still include milk and eggs. Avoiding animal products in clothing and cosmetics is also part of a vegan lifestyle for many. Someone on a dairy-free diet, however, might avoid milk products for specific health reasons like a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, while still consuming other animal products.

Ovo-vegetarians: Dairy-free, but not vegan

The term 'ovo-vegetarian' describes someone who does not eat milk products or meat but does consume eggs. This highlights that being dairy-free does not automatically mean someone is vegan. Conversely, a 'lacto-vegetarian' eats dairy but not eggs. Understanding these distinctions helps accurately describe dietary choices.

Lactose intolerance and milk protein allergies

Avoiding milk products is often due to medical necessity. Lactose intolerance results from insufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar, leading to digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea. A milk protein allergy is a more serious immune response to milk proteins, potentially causing hives or anaphylaxis. Both conditions require a dairy-free diet but don't necessitate avoiding all other animal products.

The rise of dairy-free options

The demand for milk-free products has led to a wide variety of plant-based alternatives like milks, cheeses, and yogurts made from ingredients such as almonds, soy, oats, and cashews. These options are beneficial for those with allergies and make dairy-free and vegan diets more accessible.

Navigating restaurants and processed foods

Following a diet without milk products requires vigilance in reading food labels, as dairy ingredients like whey, casein, or milk solids can be hidden in various processed foods. Despite this, the increasing popularity of plant-based eating is leading to more transparent and available dairy-free options in restaurants and stores.

Nutritional considerations for dairy-free diets

Eliminating dairy means focusing on alternative sources for nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Many plant-based products are fortified, and other sources include leafy greens and nuts. Consulting a healthcare professional can help ensure a balanced diet.

Vegan vs. Dairy-Free: Key Differences


Aspect	Vegan	Dairy-Free
Definition	Abstains from all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.	Excludes all or most dairy products, but may consume other animal products like meat and eggs.
Primary Motivation	Ethical concerns for animal welfare, environmental impact, or health.	Health reasons such as milk allergy, lactose intolerance, or other sensitivities.
Dietary Scope	A complete plant-based diet.	A specific restriction on milk and its derivatives.
Lifestyle	Often extends to avoiding all animal-derived non-food products (e.g., leather, wool).	Does not typically extend beyond dietary choices.
Inclusion of Eggs	No.	Often yes (e.g., ovo-vegetarian), but can be included or excluded based on preference.
Source for Nutrients	Relies on fortified foods, supplements, and diverse plant sources for calcium and B12.	Can still get calcium and other nutrients from eggs or meat, along with fortified alternatives.

The evolving terminology

While 'vegan' is a common term, understanding the nuances of dietary choices, including health-based reasons for avoiding milk products, is increasingly important. The growing market for dairy-free options supports these various dietary needs.

Conclusion

The term for someone who does not eat milk products varies based on their overall diet. 'Vegan' is appropriate for those avoiding all animal products, while 'dairy-free' describes someone avoiding only milk and derivatives, often for health reasons like lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. Other diets like 'ovo-vegetarianism' also exclude dairy. With more plant-based options available, these diets are becoming more manageable. Accurate terminology promotes clearer communication and informed health decisions. The full article can be found on {Link: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veganism}

Frequently Asked Questions

A vegan diet is entirely plant-based and excludes all animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy. A dairy-free diet, however, only excludes milk and its derivatives, and a person may still consume other animal products like meat and eggs.

No. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue where the body cannot properly digest lactose, the sugar in milk. A milk allergy is a more serious immune system reaction to milk proteins, which can cause more severe symptoms.

No, an ovo-vegetarian diet excludes all meat and dairy products but includes eggs.

Common milk product alternatives include plant-based milks (such as soy, almond, and oat milk), vegan cheeses, yogurts, and butters made from ingredients like cashews or coconuts.

Yes, most vegans avoid honey because it is a product of bees, and they adhere to a philosophy that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation.

It is crucial to read the ingredients list on food labels carefully. Look for common milk-derived ingredients like whey, casein, lactose, milk solids, and butter. Many products are also explicitly labeled as 'dairy-free'.

When following a dairy-free diet, it's important to ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients can be sourced from fortified plant-based milks and cereals, leafy greens, and supplements.

Yes, a person can have low levels of lactase and still digest milk products to some extent, but if levels are too low, they can become lactose intolerant. Many people can tolerate a certain amount of lactose.

Yes, it is possible to develop secondary lactose intolerance suddenly as a result of damage to the small intestine from injury, illness, or surgery.