I was recently asked this question, and have received many derivatives of this over the years. Due to this, I have can assume that many 'meat-eaters' are unsure of the key differences between vegetarians and vegans, and the different levels in between.
The first, and by far most lenient, is called a semi-vegetarian. These people consume dairy products, eggs, chicken, and fish, but do not eat any other meat products. Many of those on the stricter end of the scale frown upon this classification with comments such as, "giving vegetarians a bad name" etc. I however, are among those that believe these people should not be penalized, because any attempt to cut back on meat consumption is commendable.
The second category, and the popular, is ovo-lacto vegetarians, who do not consume meat, poultry, or seafood, but do eat dairy products and eggs. This category also includes the sub-groups of ovo-vegetarians (no milk/dairy products) and lacto-vegetarians (no eggs).
The final category, and the most strict, are vegans. In my experience, this is often mistaken for vegetarians for those unfamiliar with these lifestyles. Vegans in general do not consume any animal products, or animal by-products, including dairy products, eggs, and for some yeast and honey. Many vegans also go as far as to not purchase or wear clothing items made from animal products, mainly being leather and fur, but also including wool and silk.
I hope that this may have put things into simpler, easy to understand manner!
Whichever group you are in, aspire to become, or are simply curious to explore,
Happy Vegging!
- Avery
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