Is Veganism Dairy-Free?

Are you considering a vegan lifestyle, but still have questions about what it entails? One of the most common questions is whether or not veganism means dairy-free. Let’s take a look at the answer and explore why some vegans choose to avoid dairy 

What Does Vegan Mean? 

The definition of veganism is “a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.” This means that those who practice veganism avoid all animal products including meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and honey. In addition to food items, most vegans also avoid leather goods and cosmetics tested on animals 

Is Dairy Free Included in Veganism? 

Yes! As mentioned previously, dairy products are included in the list of foods avoided by vegans. This includes milk from cows as well as cheese, yogurt and ice cream made from cow’s milk. Vegans also avoid goat's milk and sheep's milk cheese as well as any other product made from an animal’s milk 

It’s important to note that there are some plant-based milks available such as almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk which can be used instead of cow’s milk in recipes. There are also many varieties of vegan cheese available which are made with ingredients like nuts or soybeans rather than animal derived products like casein (a protein found in cow's milk).  

Why Do Some Vegans Avoid Dairy Products? 

In addition to avoiding animal cruelty by not consuming animal-derived products like dairy, some vegans choose to avoid dairy because they believe it has health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving digestion since dairy may contain hormones or antibiotics that come from cows treated with them. Additionally, avoiding dairy may help reduce your carbon footprint since producing cows for their milk requires more resources than producing plant-based milks.  

Whether you are considering transitioning to a vegan lifestyle or just want more information about what it entails – one thing is certain – yes…vegan does mean dairy free! For those who choose this lifestyle there are plenty of delicious plant-based options out there so you don't have to worry about missing out on any favorite meals that traditionally include dairy products like ice cream or macaroni & cheese!

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