Differences Between Vegan and Vegetarian

The word "vegetarian" is a generic term used to describe anyone who doesn't eat meat of any kind including beef, poultry, fish, or seafood. This includes vegans and other various vegetarian sub-groups. Vegetarians are generally those people who have chosen a diet with many less restrictions than those chosen by a vegan.

Many differences between the various vegetarian sub-groups may appear to be small, but they are very important to the members who belong to each of the groups. In many cases the distinctions are important individual dietary or ethical decisions.

Listed are various vegetarian sub-groups:

Semi-Vegetarian

Semi-vegetarians are people who have chosen to live a lifestyle which is not strictly vegetarian. A semi-vegetarian may be a person who only eats meat occasionally, or perhaps doesn’t eat red meat, but eats poultry and fish.

Ovo-Lacto-Vegetarian

Ovo-lacto vegetarians are vegetarians who do not eat meat, poultry, fish, and seafood, but do eat eggs and milk. This is by far the largest of all the vegetarian groups.

Ovo-Vegetarian

Ovo-vegetarians are people who would be classed as vegans if they did not eat eggs.

Lacto-Vegetarian

Lacto-vegetarians are people who would be classed as vegans if they did not consume milk.

Vegan

This is by far the most strictest vegetarian sub-group or category.

A vegan is a person who has chosen not to consume any animal products or byproducts. Some go so far as to not consume honey and yeast, and others will not even wear any clothing made from animal products. (anything made of leather, fur)