Eggetarian vs. Vegetarian — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 13, 2024
An eggetarian diet includes eggs along with plant-based foods, while a vegetarian diet excludes all forms of animal flesh, including eggs.
Difference Between Eggetarian and Vegetarian
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eggetarians incorporate eggs into their diet, viewing them as a vital source of protein and nutrients. This inclusion allows for a broader range of dietary options, especially in terms of breakfast foods and baking. Whereas, vegetarians adhere to a diet that excludes not only meat but also eggs, based on ethical, environmental, or health reasons. This exclusion often leads them to seek alternative protein and nutrient sources, such as legumes, tofu, and nuts.
Eggetarians might consider eggs as an acceptable part of their diet due to the perception that egg consumption does not involve the direct killing of animals. On the other hand, many vegetarians exclude eggs due to concerns over animal welfare in egg production, the environmental impact of the poultry industry, or personal health convictions.
The dietary flexibility of eggetarians can make it easier to adapt to various culinary traditions that rely on eggs for certain dishes, enhancing their ability to maintain their diet when traveling or eating out. Vegetarians, however, might find it more challenging to find suitable options in environments dominated by non-vegetarian cuisine but benefit from a wide array of purely plant-based culinary traditions worldwide.
In terms of nutrition, eggetarians benefit from the high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals found in eggs, which can help meet dietary requirements without the need for meat. Vegetarians must carefully balance their diet to ensure they are not deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, often found in animal products.
Socially and culturally, eggetarians may find their dietary choices more easily accommodated in settings where vegetarianism is less understood, as the inclusion of eggs can offer a familiar middle ground. Vegetarians might face more questions and challenges but can also play a role in increasing awareness and acceptance of fully plant-based diets.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Includes eggs and plant-based foods
Excludes all animal flesh and eggs
Protein Sources
Eggs, legumes, nuts, tofu
Legumes, nuts, tofu, plant-based alternatives
Ethical Considerations
May exclude meat for animal welfare but includes eggs
Excludes all animal-derived products for ethical reasons
Dietary Flexibility
Greater flexibility in dietary choices
More restrictive, excluding eggs
Nutritional Benefits
High-quality protein and nutrients from eggs
Relies on plant-based sources for all nutrients
Compare with Definitions
Eggetarian
Many eggetarians avoid meat for ethical reasons but include eggs.
As an eggetarian, she eats eggs but avoids chicken and beef.
Vegetarian
Vegetarianism can be for health, ethical, or environmental reasons.
She became a vegetarian to reduce her carbon footprint.
Eggetarian
Eggetarian diets are plant-based with the exception of eggs.
His eggetarian meal plan includes a variety of vegetables, grains, and eggs.
Vegetarian
Vegetarians often seek plant-based protein alternatives.
As a vegetarian, he uses tofu as a substitute for meat in recipes.
Eggetarian
Eggetarianism offers a middle ground between vegetarianism and omnivorism.
He chose eggetarianism to maintain a high-protein diet without meat.
Vegetarian
A vegetarian diet excludes meat, fish, and poultry.
Her vegetarian diet includes a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Eggetarian
An eggetarian diet includes eggs but no meat.
An eggetarian breakfast might feature scrambled eggs with spinach.
Vegetarian
Vegetarians exclude all animal flesh from their diet.
Their vegetarian lifestyle excludes even broths made from meat.
Eggetarian
Eggetarians consume eggs due to their nutritional value.
She's an eggetarian because she values the protein eggs provide.
Vegetarian
The vegetarian diet emphasizes whole, plant-based foods.
A vegetarian meal plan focuses heavily on legumes, seeds, and nuts for nutrition.
Eggetarian
Lacto-ovo-vegetarian
Vegetarian
A person who does not eat meat or fish, and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons.
Vegetarian
Relating to vegetarians or vegetarianism
A vegetarian restaurant
Vegetarian
One who practices vegetarianism.
Vegetarian
Of or relating to vegetarianism or vegetarians.
Vegetarian
Consisting primarily or wholly of vegetables or plants
A vegetarian diet.
Vegetarian
A person who does not eat animal flesh, or, in some cases, use any animal products.
Vegetarian
An animal that eats only plants; a herbivore.
Vegetarian
Of or relating to the type of diet eaten by vegetarians (in all senses).
Vegetarian
Without meat.
Vegetarian
Of a product normally made with meat, having non-meat substitutes in place of meat.
Vegetarian
That does not eat meat.
I have a vegetarian brother
Vegetarian
One who holds that vegetables and fruits are the only proper food for man. Strict vegetarians eat no meat, eggs, or milk, and are sometimes referred tro as vegans.
Vegetarian
Of or pertaining to vegetarianism; as, a vegetarian diet.
Vegetarian
Eater of fruits and grains and nuts; someone who eats no meat or fish or (often) any animal products
Common Curiosities
What is the main nutritional concern for vegetarians?
The main nutritional concern for vegetarians is ensuring adequate intake of protein, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12.
Do eggetarians eat fish?
No, eggetarians do not eat fish; they avoid meat but include eggs in their diet.
Are all vegetarians also vegan?
No, not all vegetarians are vegan. Vegans exclude all animal products, including dairy and eggs, unlike some vegetarians.
What are common protein sources for vegetarians?
Common protein sources for vegetarians include legumes, tofu, nuts, seeds, and plant-based meat alternatives.
Can vegetarian diets be healthy?
Yes, vegetarian diets can be very healthy if they are well-planned to include a variety of nutrients.
Why do some people choose eggetarianism over vegetarianism?
Some choose eggetarianism for the added nutritional benefits of eggs or due to cultural or personal preferences.
Can eggetarians eat dairy products?
Yes, eggetarians can eat dairy products; their diet primarily excludes meat but includes eggs and often dairy.
Are eggs considered vegetarian?
Eggs are not considered vegetarian by those who follow a strict vegetarian diet that excludes all animal products.
How do vegetarians ensure they get enough vitamin B12?
Vegetarians ensure adequate vitamin B12 intake through fortified foods or supplements, as B12 is mainly found in animal products.
Do eggetarians believe eating eggs is ethical?
Some eggetarians believe that consuming eggs is ethical, especially if sourced from ethical or free-range farms.
Can vegetarians eat honey?
Some vegetarians eat honey, but others may avoid it due to concerns over animal welfare and exploitation.
Is it more difficult to eat out as a vegetarian or eggetarian?
Eating out can be more challenging for vegetarians in areas where vegetarian options are limited, whereas eggetarians may find it slightly easier due to the inclusion of eggs.
What are the health benefits of being an eggetarian?
The health benefits of being an eggetarian include consuming a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals from eggs.
What's a common misconception about vegetarian diets?
A common misconception is that vegetarian diets are automatically healthy; however, they require careful planning to ensure nutritional adequacy.
Can being a vegetarian help the environment?
Yes, vegetarian diets have a lower environmental impact compared to diets high in meat consumption.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
