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The Key Differences Between Vegans and Vegetarians
Here’s a quick guide to help you
Food has always played an integral part in human existence. If you look back thousands of years ago, our ancestors were constantly introducing new dishes and diets.
Fast-forward to this day, and there are now dozens of diets that people have come to adopt, the most popular being veganism and vegetarianism. While both share similarities, there are also some notable differences between them.
This guide will dive into the key differences between veganism and vegetarianism, briefly touching on the concept of animal welfare.
Vegan and Vegetarian: What’s the Difference?
Both vegans and vegetarians generally avoid eating animal meat. They also avoid by-products of animal slaughter, such as blood and internal organs. As to their distinction, the difference lies in the degree to which they consider the consumption of animal products acceptable.
Vegans |
Vegetarians
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Apart from abstaining from meat, vegans do not eat any products derived from animals. They also avoid eating animal products, such as eggs, milk, and cheese. |
Vegetarians don’t eat animals but consume products that come from them. Vegetarians are less restrictive when it comes to their diet. They consume eggs, dairy, and other animal products. |
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All vegans follow the same diet. A vegan diet usually contains only vegetables, fruits and legumes. Vegans also mainly consume plant-based products like tofu, whole grains and nuts. |
Vegetarians have various types of diets. These diets depend on the animal products they can consume.
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Apart from food, vegans also avoid using items derived from animals. These include wool, leather and fur. They also shun buying anything obtained from animal skins like products made of crocodiles, lambs and camels. |
Vegetarians do not eat meat but may purchase items made from animals like leather shoes, wallets, and belts. Generally, they consider it acceptable to buy goods made from animal skin or hide, which are treated with chemicals to make them suitable for human use. |
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Veganism as a lifestyle is strongly anchored in animal rights. Vegans exclude all forms of animal cruelty. This covers exploitation for food, research and other purposes. Hence, they oppose the production of all animal products, regardless of the conditions in which the animals were housed or bred. |
Vegetarians are against killing animals for food, but find it appropriate to consume animal products as long as they are housed under proper conditions. They support the production of eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products for human consumption. This is under the presumption that there was no cruelty employed in the production. |
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Vegans avoid activities or places like zoos, circuses, rodeos, horse races and wherever animals are used for entertainment. They choose to see animals in their natural habitat without being overly exposed to human interaction. They believe that animals should be treated with great care. |
Vegetarians consider it reasonable to visit places where animals are exhibited for tourism purposes. They are comfortable attending events where animals are shown for entertainment purposes. They believe that this shouldn’t be a problem as long as the animals are treated properly. |
Why You Should Try Going Plant-Based
Both veganism and vegetarianism promote sustainability
A plant-based diet uses fewer resources for production. It requires less energy from fossil fuels, reducing the volume of harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere.
Going plant-based comes with multiple health benefits
Vegan and vegetarian diets contribute to a higher intake of various beneficial nutrients, such as iron, potassium, as well as vitamins A, C and E. They can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels—not to mention, they may prevent certain cancers.
These diets help you maintain a healthy weight
A plant-based diet has long been recommended for maintaining a healthy weight since vegetables contain fewer calories than animal products. One study has shown that participants who mainly consumed vegetables lost nearly two-thirds of body fat compared to those who did not.
Thinking of having a plant-based diet for your next meal? Download the New GlobeOne app to order a hearty salad from Figaro using your Globe Rewards points as cash! But, if you’re wondering, “Where else can I find vegan/vegetarian food near me?” or “Are there vegan/vegetarian restaurants near me?” Don’t fret—you can check out these other places, too!
Popular Vegan Establishments in the Metro
Filipino recipes get a vegan makeover here at Cosmic, including rainy day comfort food. From their signature kare-kare to the fan-favorite sisig, all their plant-based dishes are sure to leave you craving for more. Plus, you get a 20% discount when you order on a Monday!
If you’re a big fan of noodles, Wabi-Sabi is the place to go! It’s the perfect place for those who are craving Asian food with a vegan twist. Their hearty vegan tantanmen is sure to sweep you off your seat, while their vegan dumplings will take your palate on a journey!
Get your fill of vegan burgers, burritos, tacos, sandwiches and donuts at Green Bar. Their Hollywood Bowl bursts with so much flavor with its incredibly filling ingredients, including quinoa, chickpea, beans, cabbage, tomato and sunflower seeds. Not to mention, Green Bar’s beautiful atmosphere is perfect for a Sunday meal with friends and family!
Green on the Inside
Both vegan and vegetarian diets offer various benefits. While veganism is more restrictive when it comes to the by-products of animals, at the end of the day, both veganism and vegetarianism should be recognized more than just diets but as a lifestyle. Now that you know the differences between the two, go ahead and try some plant-based dishes!
For more interesting content, make sure to check out our Travel and Food articles.
