Why Do Vegetarians Eat Eggs But Not Chicken? Understanding the Ovo-Vegetarian Diet

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to data from the Vegetarian Resource Group, nearly half of American vegetarians identify as lacto-ovo or ovo-vegetarians, highlighting a common dietary choice. This explains why do vegetarians eat eggs but not chicken, a distinction rooted in specific ethical and nutritional beliefs.

Quick Summary

Ovo-vegetarians avoid all animal flesh like chicken but consume eggs, classifying them as an animal by-product rather than part of a living being. This diet is often chosen for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, focusing on protein from eggs and plants.

Key Points

Ovo-Vegetarianism Defined: The specific diet of an ovo-vegetarian includes eggs but avoids all meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
The Flesh vs. By-Product Distinction: The primary reason for eating eggs is that they are not animal flesh and, when unfertilized, do not involve the killing of a living animal.
Ethical Variances: While many vegetarians see eggs as permissible, some avoid them due to ethical objections to the industrial egg farming system, including the culling of male chicks.
Nutritional Rationale: For those who include eggs, the decision is often based on the desire to incorporate a complete protein source, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients into their diet.
Cultural Influences: Religious and cultural practices, such as those found in some parts of India, may classify eggs as non-vegetarian regardless of their source.
Common Egg Type: Most commercially produced eggs are unfertilized and cannot develop into a chick, which is a key ethical point for ovo-vegetarians.
Different Strokes for Different Folks: The spectrum of vegetarianism is broad, with decisions on eggs and dairy depending on an individual's personal moral compass, health goals, and environmental concerns.

The Core Difference: Animal Flesh vs. Animal By-Product

At the heart of the matter lies a simple yet fundamental distinction: the definition of vegetarianism. The most basic and widely accepted definition of a vegetarian diet is one that excludes the consumption of animal flesh, including meat, poultry, and fish. Since an egg, in the unfertilized form that is most common in commercial production, is not animal flesh and does not require the killing of the hen, many vegetarians find its consumption to be permissible. Chicken, on the other hand, is the flesh of an animal and is therefore excluded from their diet.

This specific dietary pattern has its own term: ovo-vegetarianism. An ovo-vegetarian consumes eggs but excludes all other animal products, including dairy. However, it is more common to encounter lacto-ovo vegetarians, who include both eggs and dairy in their diet. This flexibility allows individuals to align their eating habits with their specific ethical boundaries, as they see a clear line between the death of an animal for consumption and the collection of an animal's by-product.

Ethical and Philosophical Considerations

While the distinction between animal flesh and by-product is the primary driver for many, other factors influence a vegetarian's decision to include or exclude eggs. Ethical concerns about the industrial-scale farming practices of the egg industry, for example, lead some to avoid eggs altogether, aligning them closer with a vegan philosophy.

The Fate of Male Chicks: A significant ethical concern for many is the standard industry practice of culling male chicks shortly after hatching, as they do not lay eggs. This practice is a major reason why some ethical vegetarians and most vegans refuse eggs, regardless of the egg's unfertilized status.
Conditions for Laying Hens: The living conditions for hens in commercial farms, including confinement in cages, can be a major source of ethical discomfort. Vegetarians who are concerned with animal welfare may opt for free-range, organic, or pasture-raised eggs, or may avoid eggs entirely to not support this industry.
Cultural and Religious Views: In some cultures and religions, such as certain branches of Hinduism, eggs are considered non-vegetarian due to their association with animal life. This highlights that the classification of eggs is not universal and is influenced by tradition and belief.

Nutritional Benefits and Importance

For vegetarians who choose to eat eggs, they serve as a valuable and highly bioavailable source of nutrients. This is especially true for those who have a hard time meeting certain nutritional requirements through plant-based foods alone.

Key Nutritional Contributions of Eggs

High-Quality Protein: Eggs contain a complete profile of essential amino acids, making them an excellent source of protein for muscle repair and growth.
Vitamin B12: This vitamin is predominantly found in animal products and can be difficult for vegans to obtain. Eggs are a key source for ovo-vegetarians, which is essential for nerve function and red blood cell production.
Choline: The egg yolk is one of the best dietary sources of choline, a vital nutrient for brain health and normal bodily function.
Iron and Zinc: Eggs contribute to the intake of these important minerals, which can be harder to absorb from some plant-based foods.

Comparison of Vegetarian Sub-Types

Understanding the various types of vegetarian diets clarifies why egg consumption is a personal choice based on an individual's ethical and nutritional priorities. The following table provides a quick overview:


Dietary Type	Excludes	Includes	Rationale for Egg/Dairy Inclusion
Vegan	All animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy.	Plant-based foods only.	Believes all animal exploitation is unethical.
Ovo-Vegetarian	Meat, poultry, fish, and dairy.	Plant-based foods and eggs.	Views unfertilized eggs as a permissible by-product, not animal flesh.
Lacto-Vegetarian	Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.	Plant-based foods and dairy.	Views dairy as a permissible by-product but rejects eggs for various reasons.
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian	Meat, poultry, and fish.	Plant-based foods, eggs, and dairy.	The most common type, comfortable with both animal by-products.

Conclusion

The question of why do vegetarians eat eggs but not chicken reveals the nuanced and varied landscape of vegetarianism. The decision often hinges on whether an individual's definition of vegetarianism excludes all animal-derived products or only the flesh of animals. Ovo-vegetarians draw a distinction, viewing the consumption of unfertilized eggs as ethically distinct from killing an animal for meat. For them, eggs provide valuable nutrition and versatility in their diet. However, this choice is not universal, as other vegetarians, particularly those with deeper animal welfare or religious concerns, may choose to abstain from eggs due to modern farming practices. Ultimately, a person’s diet is a personal journey, reflecting a unique balance of health, ethical, and environmental considerations. For further reading, explore the diverse perspectives on this topic on The Spruce Eats.

Frequently Asked Questions

An ovo-vegetarian eats eggs but avoids dairy products, while a lacto-ovo vegetarian consumes both eggs and dairy products alongside a plant-based diet.

The vast majority of commercially produced eggs found in grocery stores are unfertilized, meaning they have no potential to develop into a chick.

No, an egg is not considered meat. Meat is defined as the flesh of an animal. An egg is an animal by-product, separate from the animal's muscle tissue.

Ethical vegetarians may avoid eggs due to concerns about the treatment of animals in industrial egg production, such as the culling of male chicks and the living conditions of laying hens.

Yes, a well-planned ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes eggs and a variety of plant-based foods, can provide a complete and healthy range of nutrients, including protein, B vitamins, and iron.

For vegetarians who choose not to eat eggs, suitable alternatives include plant-based egg replacers, tofu scrambles, and other ingredients for baking and cooking.

No, there is no universal consensus on egg consumption within the vegetarian community. The issue is debated based on ethical, cultural, religious, and health-related factors.