Ah, semantics! The basis of misunderstandings across languages, including within one’s own. You may have commonly heard the terms “vegan” and “plant based” used interchangeably. Then you come to find that the two are actually different, although only slightly, and that the meaning changes depending on who you ask. If academia has taught me anything, it’s to research credible online and textbook sources so that you can properly notate your reference page. Well, actually, it’s so you can educate yourself instead of blurting out assumptions and offend someone. (I know, someone offended by the smallest thing on the internet? Perish the thought.)

So let us break this down. Being “vegan” and eating “plant based” are lifestyle choices. I hesitate to use the word “diet” since it often infers weight loss and severe food restriction. A “diet”, as it stands, is actually just the foods you eat regularly, day after day. For the sake of argument, I will use “diet” to mean exactly that. Therefore, a “vegan” diet excludes the consumption of ALL animal products, including honey, some wines (using egg whites to clarify the wine), and even some refined sugars (did you know they use bone char in some sugars? Check your sources!). Plant based diets, however, only limit the consumption of animal products and emphasize adding more vegetables, fruits, and grains. More importantly, veganism is a social justice movement and is a personal statement made against animal cruelty. While no one can claim 100% cruelty-free, especially if you purchase any commercial products, veganism is personal activism to reduce suffering as much as possible. Eating “plant based”, conversely, is more based on healthier food choices.

Side note: a “whole food, plant-based” diet is within the same vein, however, it emphasizes eating more whole foods and fewer processed food items such as oils, bleached flours, and refined sugars. This is considered ideal for vegans since it eliminates the excess calories from processed food products. So, whether you are vegan or plant based, you are still making a significant impact on the animal rights movement! The fewer animal products we eat, the better overall.