Vegan vs. Vegetarian: What's the Difference (and Why St.Veg Is 100% Plant-Based)
Vegan or vegetarian — what's the real difference? A clear guide to what each diet includes and excludes, and why every dish at St.Veg in Rockville is 100% plant-based.
"Are vegan and vegetarian the same thing?" It's one of the most common questions we hear at St.Veg — and the answer matters whether you're choosing where to eat, cooking for a friend, or just curious about plant-based food. The short version: all vegan food is vegetarian, but not all vegetarian food is vegan. Here's a clear, no-jargon guide to the difference, the main types of vegetarian diets, and what it all means when you sit down to order.
The short answer
Vegetarians don't eat meat, poultry, or fish, but many still eat animal products like dairy, eggs, or honey. Vegans go a step further and avoid all animal-derived ingredients — no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey. In other words, "vegan" is essentially the strictest form of vegetarian eating.
What does "vegetarian" mean?
"Vegetarian" is an umbrella term, and there are a few common variations depending on which animal products a person includes:
Lacto-ovo vegetarian — no meat, poultry, or fish, but eats both dairy and eggs. This is the most common type.
Lacto vegetarian — includes dairy, but no eggs.
Ovo vegetarian — includes eggs, but no dairy.
Pescatarian — eats fish and seafood (technically not vegetarian, but often part of the same conversation).
Flexitarian — mostly plant-based, with occasional meat or fish.
What does "vegan" mean?
A vegan diet excludes every animal-derived ingredient: no meat, poultry, or fish, and also no dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, or other animal by-products. People choose vegan eating for health, animal welfare, or environmental reasons. Because it excludes the most, a fully vegan meal is automatically suitable for every type of vegetarian listed above.
Vegan vs. vegetarian at a glance
| ||
Food | Vegetarian (lacto-ovo) | Vegan |
|---|---|---|
| ||
Meat, poultry, fish | No | No |
| ||
Dairy (milk, cheese, butter) | Yes | No |
| ||
Eggs | Yes | No |
| ||
Honey | Usually yes | No |
| ||
Vegetables, fruit, grains, beans, nuts | Yes | Yes |
Can vegetarians eat vegan food?
Yes — always. Since vegan food contains no animal products at all, it falls comfortably within every vegetarian diet. That's why a 100% vegan kitchen is one of the simplest, safest places for a vegetarian to order: there's nothing on the menu you need to avoid, and no risk of hidden meat-based broths or gelatin. The reverse isn't true — a vegetarian dish made with cheese or eggs wouldn't work for a vegan.
Why St.Veg is 100% plant-based
Everything we serve at St.Veg is fully vegan — and therefore vegetarian-friendly by default. We're a scratch-made kitchen in Rockville's Fallsgrove Village Center built around fresh, whole ingredients: no meat, no dairy, no eggs, and no heavily processed mock meats. So whether you're a committed vegan, a lifelong vegetarian, or just trying to eat more plants, you can order anything on our menu without a second thought.
New to plant-based eating? Start here
If you're trying vegetarian or vegan food for the first time, a few of our most-loved dishes are a great introduction:
Flavor Bomb Pho Dip — slow-roasted portobello with house BBQ and chimichurri on a fresh baguette.
Shredded Medley Banh Mi — baked shredded tofu with crisp vegetables and a scallion spread.
Orange Tofu Bowl — crispy golden tofu in a bright, zesty-sweet glaze.
You can see everything on our all-day menu. If you're nearby and searching for vegan food near me, we offer pickup and third-party delivery across Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Bethesda — or come dine in at our vegan restaurant in Rockville, MD.
Frequently asked questions
Is vegan food always vegetarian?
Yes. Vegan food contains no animal products of any kind, so it meets the requirements of every vegetarian diet.
Is all the food at St.Veg suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. Because our entire menu is 100% vegan, every dish is automatically vegetarian-friendly — including for lacto, ovo, and lacto-ovo vegetarians.
What's the main difference between vegan and vegetarian?
Vegetarians avoid meat, poultry, and fish but may still eat dairy, eggs, or honey. Vegans avoid all animal-derived ingredients, including dairy and eggs.
Do you have gluten-free options too?
Yes — several dishes are gluten-free or can be made gluten-free. Just ask our team, or look for the gluten-free notes on the menu.
Have a question we didn't cover? Get in touch or stop by — we're happy to help you find your new favorite plant-based dish.