Reading Menu Symbols: What V and VG Actually Mean

Common menu symbols

• V / Veg: Vegetarian — may still contain egg or dairy
• VG / Vegan: Fully plant-based, no animal ingredients at all
• GF: Gluten-free — not directly related to vegetarian status, but often labeled alongside it
• Leaf or green dot icons: Used by many chain restaurants to mark plant-based dishes; check the menu's key for exact meaning

What to watch out for

Labeling standards vary from restaurant to restaurant. The same "V" symbol might include egg and dairy at one place and exclude them at another. Whenever you're not sure, it's best to just ask the server directly.

Chains tend to be more reliable

Large restaurant chains usually run more standardized central kitchens, so their vegetarian labels tend to be more accurate. Small independent restaurants rely more on you asking and talking things through with staff.

A tip for beginners

Treat these symbols as a reference point, not gospel. For anything that really matters, asking out loud is always the safer move. If you find yourself returning to the same few restaurants, you'll start to notice each one's labeling habits are fairly consistent — over time, you'll build your own mental list of places you trust, and you won't need to double-check every single visit.