What is veganism?

Vegans are people who choose to avoid using animals and animal products for food, clothing and other purposes.

They do not consume any foods of animal origin, including:

• meat
• fish
• poultry
• honey
• eggs
• dairy products

How does it differ from vegetarianism?

Foods excluded from the vegan diet are largely similar to those excluded by vegetarians.

That means they will not eat red meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish, crustaceans, amphibians, slaughter by-products, or products made from any of these - eg gravies, gelatine, flavourings. Both groups also avoid processing aids made from any of these products, whether or not they appear in the final product (such as isinglass - obtained from fish - used in the production of beer).

In addition, vegans seek to exclude from their diet products of living animals, including insects (e.g. milk, eggs, honey, bee pollen or waxes).

Some vegans will not eat cane sugar that has been filtered using bone char or drink wine or beer that has been clarified with albumen.

How many vegans are there in the UK?

The number is estimated at 250,000, according to the Food Standards Agency.

Are there rules about what foods can be labelled "suitable for vegans"?

Claims are subject to Trade Descriptions and Food Safety legislation, as well as EU regulations. The Food Standards Agency has issued guidelines, available on its website

The guidelines state that: "The term 'vegan' should not be applied to foods that are, or are made from or with the aid of animals or animal products (including products from living animals)."

It adds that: "Manufacturers, retailers and caterers should be able to demonstrate that foods presented as 'vegetarian' or 'vegan' have not been contaminated with non-vegetarian or non-vegan foods during storage, preparation, cooking or display."

So what will they eat?

Many vegans prefer to eat foods prepared with unprocessed ingredients such as vegetables, pulses, grains, fruit and nuts.

The US-based Vegetarianism Resource Group suggests the following dishes for vegans when eating out:

• pizza without cheese
• Chinese moo shu vegetables
• Indian curries and dahl
• eggplant dishes without the cheese
• bean tacos without the lard and cheese
• Middle Eastern hummus and tabouli
• Ethiopian injera (flat bread) and lentil stew
• Thai vegetable curries

Among common vegan foods, it lists:

• stir-fried vegetables
• orange juice
• frozen fruit desserts
• lentil soup
• three-bean salad
• dates
• fruit smoothies
• spaghetti
• vegetarian baked beans
• guacamole
• chili

Further suggestions include:

• tofu lasagna
• hummus
• soy ice cream
• tempeh
• soy yogurt
• spinach pies
• oat nut burgers
• falafel
• corn fritters
• soy hot dogs
• vegetable burgers
• pumpkin casserole
• scrambled tofu

Where can I find more information?

The UK Vegan Society's website can be found at www.vegansociety.com