Plant-Based Versus Vegan

What’s the difference?

By Holly Bartlow Contributor

It seems that veganism is the new diet trend, with vegan items popping up in almost every grocery store and restaurant across Southern California. Lately, though, I’ve been hearing the term “plant-based,” which is not interchangeable with “vegan,” but rather a separate term. How could this be?

What is plant-based eating, anyway?

A plant-based is a diet that focuses on whole foods, particularly fruits and vegetables.

Well, isn’t that vegan?

Sort of. Veganism can be a philosophy, as well as a diet choice. It’s a lifestyle choice that can include political and ethics as well as diet. Veganism can affect even the type of shampoo you use at home, because it should be cruelty-free, or even the clothes you choose to wear, as in, no leather, silk, or wool..

Vegan food and plant-based food is not created equal.

“Plant-based” refers to whole plant foods, not just foods that are considered vegan. For example, Lay’s potato chips are vegan, but are not considered plant-based.

Vegans: the laughingstock at the party

Not only has there been a divide between vegan and plant-based dieters because of the whole philosophy versus diet debate but also because some people see veganism as extreme. And if you think about it, when you hear “plant-based diet,” you don’t think of laughing out loud at the idea, as opposed to hearing someone say they are vegan.

So what do we learn from this?

In the end it comes down to this: veganism usually cares about the treatment of all animals, not necessarily just the health content of the food. Veganism is more of an ideology, plant-based is a strictly dietary lifestyle choice.