Curious about vegan living? Learn what vegans eat, why vegans don’t eat fish, and how easy it is to enjoy delicious plant-based meals that protect animals, the planet, and your health.
If you’re curious about vegan living, you’ve probably asked yourself: What do vegans eat? Or maybe you’ve wondered: Do vegans eat fish? The short answer: vegans eat a wide variety of plant-based foods, and no, they do not eat fish or any other animals.
Let’s break it down.
Do Vegans Eat Fish?
No. Vegans avoid eating all animals—including fish, shellfish, and other sea life. While some people who call themselves “pescatarian” eat fish but no other meat, that’s not vegan.
Vegans choose not to eat fish for several reasons:
- Animal suffering: Science shows fish feel pain and experience stress.
- Environmental impact: Industrial fishing and fish farming cause massive harm to ocean ecosystems, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and bycatch (when unintended species like dolphins, turtles, or seabirds are killed).
- Health concerns: Fish can contain harmful contaminants like mercury and microplastics.
In short: a vegan diet means no animal products, whether they come from land or sea.
What Do Vegans Eat?
One of the biggest misconceptions about veganism is that it’s restrictive and requires seeking out only special, vegan-approved foods. In reality, vegans eat an incredibly diverse range of delicious, nutritious, and incredibly common foods. Here are some staples:
- Fruits and vegetables: From apples and berries to leafy greens and root vegetables.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas are rich in protein and fiber.
- Whole grains: Rice, quinoa, oats, barley, and whole wheat.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and more.
- Plant-based proteins: Tofu, tempeh, seitan, and plant-based meat alternatives.
- Dairy alternatives: Almond milk, oat milk, soy yogurt, coconut ice cream.
- Herbs and spices: Basil, cilantro, cumin, paprika—these add flavor and variety.
What Do Vegans Avoid?
Vegans avoid foods made from or containing:
- Meat (including fish and shellfish)
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt)
- Eggs
- Honey
- Gelatin or other animal-based additives
But with so many plant-based alternatives available, there’s a vegan version of almost any dish—from cheesy lasagna made with cashew cream to sushi rolls filled with marinated tofu and avocado.
Trying Veganism Doesn’t Have to Be All-or-Nothing
If going vegan overnight feels overwhelming, start small. Swap cows’ milk for oat milk in your next coffee order. Try a burger made from plants, like a Beyond or Impossible burger, instead of one made from animals. Explore new recipes and plant-based restaurants in your area. Every meal you choose without animal products helps protect animals, reduce environmental harm, and improve your health.
Want to try vegan today? Join World Animal Protection’s FREE online community, Plant-Powered Changemakers, for tips, tricks, and others on similar journeys today.
