What Can Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians Eat? Where Eggs, Dairy, and Honey Fit In

What Is Ovo-Lacto Vegetarianism

Ovo-lacto vegetarians don't eat meat, poultry, fish, or any products made from them, but they do eat eggs, dairy, and honey. It's the most common form of vegetarianism worldwide, and often the first stop for people transitioning away from a meat-based diet.

What You Can and Can't Eat

• Can eat: eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, honey
• Can't eat: pork, beef, lamb, chicken, duck, fish, shrimp, and any broths, fats, or gelatin made from them

Common Pitfalls

The classic trap for ovo-lacto vegetarians is "hidden meat broth" — many noodle soups and sauces are simmered with pork bones or chicken carcasses, so a dish that looks vegetarian may not actually be. When ordering, it's best to ask directly what the broth is made from.

Advice for Beginners

If you're not yet sure whether you want to go fully vegan, ovo-lacto vegetarianism is a friendly starting point: the nutrition is easier to balance, and you'll have more options when eating out. Once your body and mind have adjusted, you can decide whether to tighten your standards further. You might also start by eating ovo-lacto style on just a few set days a week, paying attention to how it affects your energy, digestion, and mood. Give yourself enough time to figure out whether this way of eating truly suits you long term, rather than rushing into a lifelong commitment all at once. If you have friends who already eat fully vegan, it's worth asking about their real-world experience — it's often more useful than anything you'll find by researching on your own.