We’ve all heard of veganism.
And in the past few years, you’ve probably come across the term plant-based as well.
Now, most people assume they’re the same thing.
And in a way, they are, but if two things have different names, logic says they’re probably not identical.
So today, I’m going to break it down for you in the simplest way possible and explain the difference between these two terms!
The Difference?
The terms “plant-based” and “vegan” are often used interchangeably, but they actually represent different dietary and lifestyle choices.
Both have seen a rise in popularity as more people seek to reduce or eliminate animal products from their diets, but they have distinct origins, motivations, and implications.
The vegan diet has its roots in a movement that started in 1944, founded by Donald Watson, an animal rights advocate.
Veganism refers to a lifestyle that avoids all animal products, not just in food but also in other aspects of life.
This means not using animal-derived products like leather, wool, or certain cosmetics that have been tested on animals.
The core of veganism is ethical: it aims to prevent animal exploitation and harm in all forms.
For vegans, it’s not just about what they eat, it’s about aligning every aspect of their life with their ethical stance on animals.
Ok, and What About Plant-Based?
Well, the plant-based diet is more of a dietary choice, and its modern use can be traced back to the work of Dr. T. Colin Campbell in the 1980s.
His research linked plant-based, whole-food diets with better health outcomes, such as reduced risks of heart disease and cancer.
While it started in the health science community, the plant-based diet focuses more on the consumption of whole, minimally processed plant foods for their health benefits.
People who adopt this diet typically eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, with little to no consumption of animal products.
It’s important to note that plant-based diets can sometimes include small amounts of animal products, especially if they are not focused on “whole foods.”
So the Difference is?
It’s simple.
The key distinction between the two is that veganism is a comprehensive lifestyle that eliminates animal exploitation in all forms, diet and beyond, while plant-based eating is more focused on the diet itself and generally excludes animal products for health reasons rather than ethical or environmental ones.
Moreover, veganism is strictly about avoiding animal products altogether, while plant-based eating might allow for occasional animal-derived foods, such as honey or dairy, depending on individual choices.
Both diets have significant overlaps, especially when it comes to health benefits.
Many people who start with a plant-based diet for health reasons eventually embrace the ethical and environmental reasons behind veganism.
Likewise, some people who start as vegans may adopt a more health-focused plant-based diet as they learn about the benefits of whole foods and minimal processing.
In conclusion, plant-based generally refers to a diet made up mostly of plants and may or may not exclude all animal products, while vegan extends to an ethical lifestyle that avoids all animal exploitation, including in food, clothing, and other products.
Whether you choose one or both, embracing more plant-based foods can be a great step towards a healthier diet, and perhaps a more ethical and environmentally conscious lifestyle.