Definition
Ethics“Veganism is a diet”
Last reviewed: January 9, 2026
Summary
Veganism is widely defined as a philosophy and way of living that seeks to exclude animal exploitation “as far as is possible and practicable.” In dietary terms, that means avoiding animal-derived foods, but it also includes non-food choices (e.g., clothing, cosmetics, entertainment).
Evidence Summary
- Vegan Society definition explicitly frames veganism as a philosophy and way of living, with diet as one expression of that philosophy. Evidence quality: High (primary definitional source) Limitations / nuance: People sometimes use “vegan” colloquially to mean “plant-based diet.” The app should distinguish “ethical veganism” vs “plant-based diet.” Bottom line: Veganism is not merely a diet; dietary veganism is one part of a broader ethical stance.
Supporting Evidence
The Vegan Society, which coined the term, explicitly defines veganism as encompassing non-food choices like clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment.