Vegan or Plant based?

The terms vegan and plant based are so often used interchangeably you could be forgiven for thinking they are the same thing, but there’s more to understand than first appears.

The term vegan has been around since 1944, when Donald Watson gathered a group of like minded people to discuss promoting a cruelty free way of living. The term has been bandied about over the years as both a dietary and politically charged label that describes people who forego all animal products, both in diet and living. Unlike vegetarians, who in the common acceptance, refrain from eating animals which have been killed, vegans do not eat, wear or use any item which has been made using animals in any capacity. This means no wool, leather or honey.

A vegan may not always ask, but would appreciate a change of gloves after handling meat, or a pan to be used if you do not have a separate non meat part of the grill to cook on. While cross contamination is not a medical concern for vegan’s it is something that is noticed and does affect the enjoyment of the meal. A vegan may choose to reject a meal that has been cross contaminated with animal products.

The Vegan society of NZ has put together a video to explain what their members are looking for when dining out.

A Vegan does not eat

  • Red meat, poultry, fish or seafood,

  • Dairy

  • animal derived products - eg gelatine, fish sauce, honey.

Common watch points!

  • Vegan labelled soup, such as pumpkin, yet include chicken stock in the base.

  • Vegetable stir fries made with sauces that contain fish or oysters

  • Salad dressings such as Caesar which is made with anchovies

  • Worcestershire sauce made with anchovies.

  • Marshmallows, Jelly, Candy and ice cream containing gelatine.

  • Smoothies with Collagen shots.

  • Wine clarified with fish or egg products

  • Vegetarian labelled cheeses and other dairy items.

  • Nuts! A lot of vegan and plant based food is made with nuts. Make sure to have a dish that does not have nuts if you are catering to allergies as well.

Whole food plant based

Plant based is a relatively new term. Adopted to differentiate those whose primary concern is health and wellness rather than animal welfare. While many plant based people are happy to have a vegan meal, often the term plant based is best described in full as Whole Food Plant Based. Unlike vegans, WFPB diners do not want to eat processed food as much as possible. These are the customers who enjoy large salads and poke bowls rather than burgers, pizza and pasta. WFPB may be less concerned about products such as honey, wine and cross contamination, however we advise you check when an order is placed to eliminate any confusion.

WFPB diners enjoy meals made with natural ingredients such as

  • Wakame seaweed

  • Goji berries

  • natural cold pressed oils

  • nuts and seeds

For more information and ingredient suggestions click here.