Food
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Some Different Types of Vegetarians?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

For most of the meat-eating community, the many variations on vegetarianism can get confusing, especially when they are inviting vegetarians to dinner. The vegetarian community has developed specific titles for different kinds of vegetarians, ranging from pure to pesco. If you are ever in doubt, always ask. Most people do not mind answering questions about their dietary needs, and are in fact grateful for the thought.

As a general rule, a vegetarian is someone who eats a voluntarily restricted diet out of ethical or health concerns. Everyone has different personal boundaries. For example, a person may be willing to eat eggs from free-range chickens, but not from battery hens, or may prefer organic to conventional milk. Usually these preferences are expressed, especially when a person is invited to dinner, as he or she has a vested interest in having something to eat. Cooking for vegetarians is actually remarkably easy, especially when cooks start to include ethnic cuisines, such as food from India and Africa.

An ovo-lacto vegatarian dish.
An ovo-lacto vegatarian dish.

The most strict type of vegetarian is a vegan, sometimes called a strict or pure vegetarian. A vegan does not eat any animal products at all. When inviting a vegan over to dinner, avoid meat, eggs, dairy, honey, and any food products which are derived from animals. Some vegans find the consumption of honey and other insect-derived ingredients acceptable, but they will appreciate cooks who err on the side of caution.

Vegetarian meat crumbles are made of textured vegetable protein.
Vegetarian meat crumbles are made of textured vegetable protein.

The most common vegetarians are those who do not eat meat, but will eat animal products. They usually simply call themselves vegetarians. In nations where “vegetarian” means “vegan,” they may distinguish themselves as lacto-ovo, or "milk-egg" vegetarians. Some people eat eggs but not milk, or vice versa, and they will usually indicate this. Avoid serving meat of any kind to these people, but animal products are usually acceptable.

Some vegetarians do not eat eggs from chickens kept in battery cages.
Some vegetarians do not eat eggs from chickens kept in battery cages.

Pesco vegetarians eat fish, but not red meat. In individual cases, pescos may be willing to eat fowl as well. Some members of the community feel that people who eat fish aren't truly vegetarians, since fish are living animals. Those who do eat fish may also avoid fatty fish like tuna and swordfish out of concern for mercury contamination. Beyond pesco vegetarianism, most people will eat almost anything, although specific meats may be restricted for religious or personal reasons. In these instances, someone will usually identify an unwillingness to eat pork, beef, shellfish, or other foods they try to refrain from consuming.

A final category includes those who will not purchase animal products, but will eat them if they are going to be discarded. These people are usually called “freegans,” a portmanteau of “free” and “vegan.” Freegans accept that other people eat animal products, and they would prefer to see them used rather than wasted. Some religious sects are also freegan, meaning that they prefer not to eat animal products, but they will eat them if offered.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An ovo-lacto vegatarian dish.
      By: Marco Mayer
      An ovo-lacto vegatarian dish.
    • Vegetarian meat crumbles are made of textured vegetable protein.
      By: Vidady
      Vegetarian meat crumbles are made of textured vegetable protein.
    • Some vegetarians do not eat eggs from chickens kept in battery cages.
      By: emirkoo
      Some vegetarians do not eat eggs from chickens kept in battery cages.