Basics
Flexitarian, plant-based, cruelty-free, speciesism, fortification – what do these words mean?
Short answer
A flexitarian eats mostly plants but sometimes meat or fish. Plant-based describes a diet, not necessarily a whole lifestyle. Cruelty-free means not tested on animals. Speciesism is treating beings worse because of their species. Fortification means adding vitamins or minerals to food.
Vegan – someone who, as far as possible and practicable, avoids using animals for food, clothing, cosmetics and entertainment. Vegetarian – does not eat meat or fish but usually eats dairy and eggs. Plant-based – describes a diet or product; on a label it does not always guarantee there are no animal ingredients. Cruelty-free – the product and its ingredients are not tested on animals, which does not mean it is vegan (e.g. beeswax).
Speciesism – an ethics term coined by Richard Ryder in the 1970s and popularised by Peter Singer: giving less weight to a being’s interests only because it belongs to another species. Fortification – adding e.g. calcium, B12 or vitamin D to plant drinks or cereals; it makes balancing the diet easier, but a B12 supplement is still worthwhile.