Veganism is currently defined by the Vegan Society as a way of living that attempts to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty as much as possible.
Therefore, a vegan diet not only excludes animal flesh, but also dairy, eggs and animal-derived ingredients. These include gelatin, honey, carmine, pepsin, shellac, albumin, whey, casein and some forms of vitamin D3.
Vegetarians and vegans often avoid eating animal products for similar reasons. The largest difference is the degree to which they consider animal products acceptable.
For instance, both vegans and vegetarians may exclude meat from their diets for health or environmental reasons.
However, vegans also choose to avoid all animal by-products because they believe this has the largest impact on their health and the environment.
In terms of ethics, vegetarians are opposed to killing animals for food, but consider it acceptable to consume animal by-products such as milk and eggs, as long as the animals are kept in adequate conditions.
On the other hand, vegans believe that animals have a right to be free from human use, be it for food, clothing, science or entertainment.
Thus, they seek to exclude all animal by-products, regardless of the conditions in which animals are bred or housed.
The desire to avoid all forms of animal exploitation is why vegans choose to forgo dairy and eggs — products that many vegetarians have no problem consuming.
Another phrase that is becoming more common is plant-based - what does this mean?
Plant-based pertains specifically to diet. In its purest definition, a plant-based diet is limited to plant foods (like a vegan diet) but in addition, plant-based dieters often limit their intake of processed foods and fats, choosing to eat this way for health.
A plant-based dieter is not necessarily vegan, as you can follow this diet, without adhering to the moral framework of veganism.
Aubergine, Tomato and Roast Pepper Salad
Simple Mediterranean flavours
Baked Herb and Pistachio Falafels
Easy to make yummy falafels with tasty accompaniments and which make a terrific and unusual meal with crispy lettuce wraps
Baked Red Peppers with Green Olive Salsa and Apricot and Flaked Almond Couscous
Three vegan dishes that work very well together as a complete meal - delicious, unusual and very satisfying!
Baked Tomatoes and Aubergines with a Lemon, Herb Crust
Delicious herby crust for vegetables - either as a vegan main or side dish.
Beets Roasted with Balsamic Dressing and Cauliflower, Garlic and Walnut Mash
Rather a nice way to present beetroots with the most unusual rich mash and as a great side dish with other recipes.
Butternut Squash with Romesco
We like this dish and have cooked it often. The warming topping is full of flavour and ideal Winter dish.
Country Vegetable Casserole in Cider
A real Winter warming dish packed full of flavour, tasty and very satisfying - great served with Colcannon Mash.
Greek Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Something entirely different, filling and tasty!
Herby Couscous
Quick easy accompaniment to almost any dish. Goes well with fish.
Mint and Basil Griddled Peach Salad
Enjoy hearty quinoa, creamy avocado and juicy griddled peaches
pomegranates, flaked almonds and looks very pretty and tastes wonderful.
Quinoa, Brown Rice and Roasted Nut Salad with
Mint and Avocado Dressing
Quick and easy and satisfyingly tasty and filling
Roast Butternut Squash, Red Onion, Green Bean and Toasted Walnuts
An excellent warm salad to accompany almost any dish
Super vegetable accompaniment to any meal, especially at Christmas or Thanksgiving.
Roasted Vegetable Houmous and Cashew Pie
Simple pie packed full of autumnal vegetables with the added taste of Houmous and can just be accompanied by a green salad.
Root Veg Lentil Bowl with Herb Pistou
Saffron Rice with Barberries and Toasted Flaked Almonds
Delicious vegan dish with the influence of Persian cuisine
Spicy Pumpkin, Quince and Date Stew
Sunblush or Moonblush Tomatoes
Incredible on toasted Sourdough Bread for breakfast and wonderful to add to pasta dishes, casseroles etc.
Swede, Sweet Potato and Kale Gratin
This is unexpectedly sensational, so easy to prepare and was the perfect accompaniment to Roast Partridge with Sage, Thyme and Cider
Winter Vegetable Casserole with Red Wine
Quick, easy delicious vegan recipe perfect for a cold Winter's evening