Plant-Based vs Vegan

The terms we use can be confusing.  Some may use “vegan” and “plant-based” interchangeably. However, it is helpful to understand the definitions to know how to use the correct terminology. 

The definition for veganism from The Vegan Society is: “Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.”

It goes on to say: “There are many ways to embrace vegan living. Yet one thing all vegans have in common is a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish and insects), dairy, eggs and honey - as well as products like leather and any tested on animals.”

Plant-based means that the food is made from plants. Plant-based food is vegan and vegan food is plant-based. These terms can be and are often used interchangeably. 

However, people who are vegan do more than eat plant-based, as seen from the definition above. Some people eat plant-based, but because they do not adhere to the vegan lifestyle, they would not be considered vegan.