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Can Vegans Eat Fish? Everything You Need to Know

Learn why fish aren't vegan, the ethics behind it, and smarter plant-based alternatives for a truly compassionate diet. Dive in.

Sep 17, 2025

by Megan McFadden

Do Vegans Eat Fish?

If you're new to veganism (or just curious), you might be wondering if vegans eat fish. The short answer is no.

Vegans don't eat fish or any other type of animal flesh. Veganism means avoiding all animal products, whether they come from land or sea.

But as with most food choices, there's more to the story. From ethical reasons to environmental concerns and the rise of creative plant-based alternatives, let's explore why fish aren't part of a vegan diet and what delicious options you can enjoy instead.

Why Don't Vegans Eat Fish?

At its core, veganism is about avoiding the use of animals for food, clothing, or other purposes. That doesn't just mean saying no to meat, dairy, and eggs. It also includes fish and other sea animals like shrimp, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus.

While some people see fish as "different" from land animals, vegans recognize that they are still sentient beings whose lives matter. Here's why fish aren't on a vegan plate.

Animal ethics

Scientific studies increasingly show that fish are capable of feeling pain and stress. Despite this, the fishing industry kills billions of fish every year, often through painful methods such as suffocation, net entanglement, or factory farming.

For vegans, eating fish means directly supporting systems that harm animals, which goes against the principle of compassion.

Environmental impact

Overfishing is one of the greatest threats to ocean ecosystems. It disrupts marine food chains, endangers species, and damages habitats like coral reefs. Fish farming, often marketed as "sustainable," comes with its own problems: overcrowding, disease, chemical use, and water pollution.

Choosing plant-based alternatives is a way to reduce your environmental footprint and protect the oceans.

Health reasons

While fish are often promoted as "healthy protein," they also carry risks. Many species contain high levels of mercury, PCBs, and even microplastics that accumulate in human bodies over time.

Some people adopt veganism partly to avoid these contaminants while still enjoying plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and healthy fats.

What About Pescatarians?

Sometimes, people who eat a primarily vegetarian diet but still include fish identify as pescatarian. In practice, this usually means they avoid meat from land animals (like beef, chicken, or pork) but continue to eat fish and other seafood. Some pescatarians also consume dairy and eggs, while others limit or exclude them.

While pescatarians share some similarities with vegetarians, such as eating more plant-based foods, they are not vegan, since fish and seafood are still forms of animal flesh. For vegans, the distinction matters. Eating fish means taking the life of an animal, which goes against the core principles of veganism.

That said, pescatarianism is sometimes seen as a "stepping stone" diet. Many people start by cutting out red meat and poultry, then later transition to a vegetarian or fully vegan lifestyle once they discover plant-based alternatives to fish and seafood.

Plant-Based Alternatives to Fish

Missing the taste or texture of seafood? Good news: vegan alternatives are everywhere!

With the right ingredients, you can recreate nearly every fish dish in a way that's flavorful, satisfying, and 100% plant-based. Here are some of the most popular (and surprisingly effective) swaps.

Banana blossom

This large, purple flower from the banana plant has a naturally flaky texture once cooked. When battered and fried, it makes a fantastic stand-in for fish in dishes like classic British-style fish and chips.

Hearts of palm

With a tender, slightly briny bite, hearts of palm mimic the texture of shellfish. They shine in refreshing ceviche, crabless cakes, or even sushi rolls.

Tofu or tempeh

These soy-based proteins are flavor sponges. Marinate them in lemon, soy sauce, or seaweed seasoning to transform them into teriyaki "salmon," smoky skewers, or fillings for vegan fish tacos.

Jackfruit

Known for its stringy, shredded texture, jackfruit works beautifully as a tuna substitute. Mix it with vegan mayo, lemon, and celery, and you've got a plant-based tuna salad that's perfect for sandwiches.

Carrots or tomatoes

When thinly sliced and marinated with smoky, salty flavors, these veggies mimic lox. Pile them on a bagel with vegan cream cheese for a satisfying brunch favorite.

Seaweed and kelp flakes

If it's the flavor of the ocean you're after, seaweed is your best friend. A sprinkle of kelp powder or crumbled nori adds that briny, salty depth to soups, stews, and marinades.

With these versatile ingredients, you can enjoy everything from sushi and chowders to tacos and sandwiches—without missing out on the taste, texture, or experience of seafood.

Common Questions

Do vegans eat shrimp?

No—shrimp, like fish, are animals, so they aren't part of a vegan diet. But that doesn't mean you have to give up shrimp-style dishes. Many creative recipes use konjac root, king oyster mushrooms, or even textured soy protein to mimic the chewy texture of shrimp.

Add seaweed or Old Bay seasoning for that familiar ocean-inspired flavor, and you've got vegan shrimp cocktails, stir-fries, or tacos ready to go.

Do vegans eat sushi?

Absolutely—but without the fish. Sushi is more about the rice, seasoning, and presentation than the seafood itself. Vegans can enjoy sushi filled with avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, tofu, or marinated vegetables.

For a more authentic "seafood" feel, try using watermelon tuna, carrot lox, or tomato sashimi. With a sheet of nori and some creativity, vegan sushi can be just as colorful and satisfying as the traditional version.

Do vegans miss fish?

Many people do at first, especially if they grew up eating seafood regularly. The good news? With today's range of ingredients and recipes, it's easier than ever to recreate the flavors, textures, and experiences of eating fish—without harming the ocean or its creatures. From crispy vegan fish sticks to smoky carrot lox, the options are expanding every year.

For many new vegans, once they try these alternatives, the cravings fade and are replaced with excitement about exploring new foods.

The Bottom Line

So, do vegans eat fish? Nope, not even a nibble. Veganism means avoiding all forms of animal flesh, including fish and other sea creatures. But that doesn't mean giving up the flavors, comfort foods, or traditions tied to seafood.

Thanks to today's plant-based creativity, you can enjoy everything from crispy "fish" tacos to hearty vegan chowders and even smoky carrot lox on a bagel—all without casting a line or harming the ocean. Ingredients like banana blossom, hearts of palm, tofu, and seaweed make it possible to recreate the textures and tastes people love, while keeping your meals sustainable and compassionate.

Choosing vegan alternatives doesn't just protect fish. It supports the planet, reduces pollution, and opens the door to exciting new recipes you may have never tried otherwise.

Cook with compassion, explore bold new flavors, and savor every bite—no fish required.