What Vegans Can’t Eat
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more.
If you’ve ever been asked, “So, what do vegans actually not eat?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions, and the answer isn’t as complicated as people think.
Veganism means avoiding all animal-derived foods, not just meat. But you’d be surprised at how many everyday items sneak in animal ingredients.
Below we’ve broken down the 9 main food categories vegans avoid, plus a few hidden ones that might surprise you.
1. Meat From Any Animal
This is the most obvious one. Vegans don’t eat beef, chicken, pork, lamb, or any other form of meat. That also includes game meats and less common ones like goat or rabbit. In short, if it comes from an animal’s body, it’s not vegan-friendly.
2. Fish And Seafood
Fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, squid, and clams are all off the table. Even though some people separate “meat” from “fish,” vegans understand that animals in the sea feel pain too.
3. Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, butter, cream, and yogurt all come from animals. Even the most “innocent” dairy products involve separating calves from mothers, which is one reason many people go vegan. Luckily, almond, oat, and cashew milks make amazing swaps.
4. Eggs
Eggs from chickens, ducks, quail, or any other bird are not vegan. While many assume backyard eggs are “better,” they still involve breeding and exploiting animals. Instead, try flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) for baking.
5. Honey And Bee Products
Honey, beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis are all derived from bees, so they aren’t vegan. I personally love using organic maple syrup or date syrup instead, it’s 100% plant-based and tastes amazing.
6. Gelatin And Animal-Based Additives
Here’s where it gets tricky: gelatin (from animal bones/skin) hides in gummies, marshmallows, and even some vitamins. Other non-vegan additives to look for include:
- Carmine (red food dye from beetles)
- Casein (milk protein, sometimes in “non-dairy” creamers)
- Isinglass (fish bladder, used in some beers and wines)
Always double-check labels!
7. Processed Foods With Hidden Animal Ingredients
You’d be surprised how many chips, breads, or snacks contain milk powder, whey, or lard. Over time, checking labels becomes second nature.
Even drinks like beer and wine can sometimes be processed with animal products, so it’s always worth double-checking.
8. Non-Vegan Baked Goods
Cookies, cakes, donuts, and pastries often contain butter, milk, and eggs. Thankfully, vegan bakeries are popping up everywhere in the USA, and plant-based swaps are easy to make at home.
9. Anything With Animal Fat Or Stock
This includes broths made from chicken, beef, or fish bones, and lard used in pie crusts or refried beans. If you’re eating out, it’s one of the top 3 things to ask about to avoid any slip-ups.
The Hidden Challenge: Supplements And Medications
Something many new vegans don’t think about: capsules are often made of gelatin, and vitamins may include animal-derived ingredients. Look for “vegan certified” or “plant cellulose capsules” on labels.
Final Thoughts
So, what can’t vegans eat? In short: anything that comes from an animal. That means meat, dairy, eggs, seafood, honey, and hidden animal-based additives. But here’s the good news: for every one of these 9 categories, there are at least 3 or 4 plant-based alternatives that taste just as good, if not better.
More Vegan Tips
🌟 Did you LIKE this ARTICLE?
Leave a comment below! We can’t wait to hear what you think!
