Types of Vegans

Chances are you've met or currently know a person who identifies as vegan or plant-based. With the number of vegans growing 600% since 2011 in the United States, there is no doubt about it. But did you know that there is more than one way to be a vegan?

Not all vegans are vegan for the same reason; some prefer no animal products in any facet of their daily lives while others may have more flexible rules when it comes to what products they will use & consume.

There is no "right" way to be vegan, so we've tried to compile a list of some of the common types of vegans you may encounter.

1. Ethical Vegans

PHOTO: Male backpackers looking of his back at the mountains and lake behind him on his adventure.

These vegans want to end animal exploitation and will protest/advocate for what they believe in and stand for. Their choices expand past food and into lifestyle, including avoiding cosmetics, clothing, zoos and other attractions due to their abuse of animals.

2. Plant-Based/Healthy Vegans

PHOTO: Hiker enjoying a stroll along an old paved and tree-lined road on a foggy morning while on vacation.

These vegans do not necessarily choose vegan for ethical reasons and may still use leather, silk and honey but these vegans are concerned with their health and eating healthier and cleaner. They believe in eating unprocessed foods and choosing items that have been grown in the ground and maintain their nutritional value when consumed.

3. Raw Vegans

PHOTO: Female holding green salad up to camera 

These vegans do not eat any food that has been cooked or heated up. They are concerned with health benefits but many also do this to pursue a more spiritual existence. Within this type, there is also the "Raw till 4" which is where you eat raw until after 4pm when you can have one cooked meal.

4. High Carb Low Fat (HCLF)

PHOTO: Traveller taking in the breath-taking sight of mountains and the vast landscape before him while on an excursion on vacation

These vegans focus more on carbs vs. fats than processed vs unprocessed or the ethics of it all. They may still be ethical in their choice with this one but primarily they believe in eating a lot of carbs and reducing their fat intake to a minimum. Some use fruits and veggies for their carbs while others choose starches. Many believe this is a good first step for those who may be trying to reduce their meat intake without being as restrictive as on a raw or plant based diet.

5. Environmentally Conscious Vegans

PHOTO: Female Surfer holding her board and scoping out the next big waves in the ocean before her while on vacation.

These vegans do it all for the love of the animals and choose to boycott industries, businesses and people who exploit animals. They ultimately want to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce their impact on the environment and believe strongly that the way to do it is to end the mass industries that are slowly killing our planet.

PHOTO: Group of friends splashing in the ocean at sunset while on vacation

And even still this list is by no means exhaustive. Many people have different terms and concepts to capture different types of vegans. From dietary vegans to Paris vegans and virtual vegans to travelling vegans, there is no one way to be vegan, so call us today at Vegan Vacations and we'll help you craft a great trip that will fit your vegan needs!

What kind of vegan are you?