What term describes food options that do not contain animal or animal products?

Vegan refers specifically to food options that exclude all forms of animal products, which includes meat, dairy, eggs, and any other items derived from animals. This dietary choice is rooted in ethical considerations, health concerns, and environmental factors, and it promotes consumption solely of plant-based foods.

Vegetarian, while similar, allows for the consumption of certain animal products such as dairy and eggs, depending on the specific type of vegetarianism (lacto, ovo, etc.). Plant-based typically emphasizes foods derived from plants but can sometimes include small amounts of animal products, making it less strict than a vegan diet. Gluten-free relates to foods that do not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains, and does not pertain to animal products at all. Thus, vegan is the most accurate term for defining a diet that excludes all animal-derived ingredients.