What Two Foods Do Vegetarians Avoid? Simple Guide to Vegetarian Eating

Most people think being vegetarian means just skipping chicken or beef. But if you’re new to this way of eating, you might be surprised by what else isn’t on the table. It’s not always obvious. Some foods you’d assume are safe actually come from animals. And if you’re trying to stick to a vegetarian diet, knowing what to avoid keeps you on track - and saves you from awkward moments at dinner parties or when ordering takeout.

Meat and Animal Flesh Are the Clear No’s

The simplest answer is this: vegetarians don’t eat meat. That includes beef, pork, lamb, goat, venison, and any other flesh from land animals. It also includes poultry - chicken, turkey, duck, goose, and even game birds. If it came from an animal that walked, ran, or flew, it’s off the menu.

This isn’t just about personal preference. Vegetarianism, by standard definition, excludes all animal flesh. The Vegetarian Society in the UK, one of the oldest and most respected organizations on the topic, defines a vegetarian as someone who doesn’t eat meat, poultry, fish, or any slaughter-derived products. So if you’re eating a burger, even if it’s labeled ‘plant-based,’ you’re not vegetarian unless the whole thing - including the patty and any added flavorings - contains zero animal tissue.

It’s easy to miss hidden meat. Some broths, sauces, and even snacks use animal-derived ingredients. Beef stock in soups, chicken fat in fried potatoes, or pork gelatin in gummy candies - these aren’t always labeled clearly. That’s why reading ingredient lists matters, especially when you’re starting out.

Animal By-Products: The Hidden Ones

While meat is the obvious one, the second food vegetarians avoid isn’t meat at all - it’s animal-derived gelatin. You won’t find it in a steak, but you’ll find it in marshmallows, gummy bears, Jell-O, some yogurts, and even certain brands of vitamin capsules.

Gelatin is made by boiling down animal skin, bones, and connective tissues. It’s used because it gels well and is cheap. But it’s still an animal product. Even if you’re not eating meat, consuming gelatin goes against vegetarian principles. The same goes for rennet - an enzyme from the stomach lining of calves, lambs, or kids - used in traditional cheese-making. Many popular cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella still use animal rennet unless labeled as ‘vegetarian rennet’ or ‘microbial rennet.’

Here’s a real example: You buy a bag of gummy fruit snacks thinking they’re safe because they’re fruit-flavored. But check the ingredients. If it says ‘gelatin,’ it’s not vegetarian. You’ll find the same thing in some brands of yogurt with a wobbly texture, or even in the glaze on certain donuts. It’s not always listed under ‘meat,’ so you have to look for the word ‘gelatin’ - and know what it means.

Why These Two Matter More Than Others

Some people think vegetarians avoid dairy or eggs. But that’s not true - those are fine for most vegetarians. Lacto-ovo vegetarians, who make up the majority, eat dairy and eggs. So milk, cheese, butter, and scrambled eggs are all okay. That’s why gelatin and meat are the two biggest pitfalls.

Meat is the obvious line in the sand. Gelatin is the sneaky one. You can go months eating plant-based meals and still accidentally eat gelatin because it’s hidden in everyday snacks. That’s why learning to spot it is just as important as avoiding burgers.

It’s also why many vegetarians in New Zealand, the UK, and the U.S. now look for certified vegetarian labels. In supermarkets, you’ll see a green V symbol or the words ‘suitable for vegetarians’ on packaging. These labels mean the product has been checked for hidden animal ingredients. If you’re unsure, trust the label over the flavor.

What About Fish and Seafood?

Some people call themselves ‘vegetarian’ but still eat fish. That’s not vegetarian - that’s pescatarian. Vegetarian diets exclude all sea life: fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, squid, mussels, and even oysters. Even though seafood isn’t land-based, it’s still animal flesh. So if you’re following a true vegetarian diet, seafood is out.

This can be confusing because restaurants often group fish with vegetables on menus. But that’s just marketing. If you’re eating salmon, you’re not a vegetarian - no matter how healthy the rest of your meal is.

How to Stay Confident When Eating Out

Asking ‘What’s in this?’ can feel awkward. But it’s not rude - it’s normal. Most restaurants are used to it now. Here’s what to say:

• ‘Is there any meat or animal broth in this dish?’
• ‘Is the cheese made with animal rennet?’
• ‘Does this have gelatin in it?’

For example, if you order a veggie pasta and they say, ‘It’s in a chicken broth,’ you know to ask for tomato sauce instead. Or if your dessert is a custard tart and the server says, ‘It’s set with gelatin,’ you can ask if they have a vegan option or just skip it.

Many cafes now offer vegan desserts that use agar-agar or pectin instead of gelatin. These are plant-based gelling agents and are perfectly vegetarian. Look for them - they’re becoming easier to find.

What You Can Still Eat

Once you know what to avoid, the rest is easy. Vegetarians enjoy a wide range of foods:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Legumes - beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Whole grains - rice, quinoa, oats, barley
• Nuts and seeds
• Dairy - milk, cheese, yogurt (if not made with animal rennet)
• Eggs
• Plant-based proteins - tofu, tempeh, seitan
• Vegetarian-friendly snacks - popcorn, fruit bars, nut butter, hummus

You can make burgers with lentils, pasta with mushroom cream sauce, or tacos with black beans and avocado. There’s no shortage of tasty, filling meals. And with more plant-based options in stores than ever before, it’s easier than ever to eat well without meat or gelatin.

Quick Checklist: What to Look For

Here’s a simple rule to remember when shopping or eating out:

• NO meat, poultry, fish, or seafood
• NO gelatin (check ingredient lists for ‘gelatin’)
• YES to dairy and eggs (unless you’re vegan)
• YES to plant-based proteins and whole foods
• Check labels for hidden animal ingredients

If you stick to this, you’ll avoid the two main traps and eat confidently. No guesswork. No stress.

Why This Matters Beyond the Plate

Knowing what vegetarians don’t eat isn’t just about following rules. It’s about making choices that match your values - whether that’s animal welfare, environmental impact, or personal health. When you understand what’s really in your food, you’re not just avoiding meat. You’re choosing a different way of eating that’s intentional, informed, and sustainable.

And you don’t need to be perfect. Everyone makes mistakes at first. Maybe you ate a gummy bear and found out later it had gelatin. That’s okay. Learn from it. Next time, you’ll check the label. That’s how it works. Progress, not perfection.