Does Plant-Based Mean the Same thing as Vegan?

Being a long time vegan, it has been exciting to see the surge of plant-based foods hitting the grocery store shelves over the last few years. Seeing the popularity of plant-based foods gives me hope that more people are reducing their meat and dairy consumption and it gives me joy to discover some new foods to try. Buying plant-based foods as a vegan, however, can be a bit tricky and that’s why I’m looking at this question today: Does “plant-based” mean the same thing as “vegan”?

Plant-Based Popularity

The Beyond Meat Brand was the first one that I noticed skyrocketing in popularity with this “plant-based” label. I remember sitting back in awe at their marketing and sales department because they seemed to be everywhere and even meat eaters were singing these burgers’ praises.

So when did this plant-based phenomenon get popular?

Google Trends, which traces search term popularity as far back to 2004, shows that the trend for “plant-based” started taking off around 2016. According to Mintel Global New Products Database, the number of new packaged consumer goods launched with a plant-based claim increased by 302% between 2018 and 2022.

And this label isn’t just limited to consumable consumer goods. I’ve seen the plant-based label on nail polish, shampoo, and many restaurant signs.

What does “Plant-Based” mean?

The problem with the plant-based label is that there is no one specific definition.

In general, plant-based refers to foods, diets, or products that are primarily made from plants, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. However, the term does not necessarily mean vegan—some plant-based products may still contain animal-derived ingredients like dairy, eggs, or honey.

Plant-based: A new form of greenwashing

While I am happy to see less animal-based products showing up on our shelves, the “plant-based” label can be misleading. It has gained so much popularity that, in my mind, it has become another method of greenwashing.

Greenwashing is a deceptive marketing practice where a company exaggerates or falsely claims that its products, services, or policies are environmentally friendly to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. It often involves misleading labels, vague language, or selective disclosure of information to make a business appear more sustainable than it actually is.

With the plant-based label, this gives the false impression that the product is made with fruits and vegetables and is, therefore, healthier. While plant-based foods can be nutrient-dense, some may still be high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, or heavily processed ingredients.

How “Plant-Based” Is Defined in Different Contexts

A big problem with labels like these is that they are not regulated. While a label like “vegan” has a strict definition, “plant-based” is more vague. In a general context it would be safe to say people believe plant-based foods are primarily made from plants (e.g. fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds), but this does not necessarily mean the food is vegan. Plant-based products can still contain animal-derived ingredients (e.g. honey, dairy, or eggs).

Food standard agencies like the FDA and EFSA do not have official or strict definitions for the term plant-based, so companies use it with a broad brush. There is an organization, the Plant-Based Foods Association (PBFA), in the USA that is promoting a “certified plant-based” label, but they are not a regulatory body.

Plant-Based Products that are NOT Vegan

These examples highlight the importance of reading ingredient lists carefully, as “plant-based” labeling doesn’t always guarantee a product is entirely free from animal-derived components.

Becel with Avocado Oil

The packaging on this Becel product and many others says “made with Plant-Based oils.” The product contains milk which makes it not vegan.

MorningStar Farms Veggie Sausage Links

The packaging on this MorningStar Farms product states “plant-based” but it contain eggs on the ingredients list.

Goldfish Colours

I wouldn’t even consider Goldfish crackers to be vegan to begin with because of their being cheese crackers, but the company has chosen to label their Goldfish Colours packaging as “sourced from plants” which makes it a bit misleading. These crackers do indeed contain dairy.

The Bottom Line

Just because a product is labeled “plant-based” does not automatically make it healthy or vegan. Always check ingredients and nutrition labels to make informed choices!

More Vegan Reading

If you’re looking for more vegan content to read, check out these posts!

Make Your Vegan Life Easier with these 5 Tips

What is Veganuary and 3 Easy Ways to Participate

How Your Food Choices Help the Planet: 3 Simple Actions

Guest Post: Going Green with Vegan Tattoos and Eco-Friendly Tattoos

10 of my Favourite Easy Vegan Snack Ideas

How to maximize protein intake with vegan foods

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