Vegan recipes use no animal products at all. That means no meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, butter or honey. Cooks use plant foods and simple swaps to get the same cozy results.

Beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, grains and vegetables are the base. Plant milks, olive oil and nutritional yeast stand in for dairy. Vegetarian recipes may still use eggs and dairy, and dairy-free recipes may still use meat, so vegan is the strictest of the three.

Questions folks ask

What do vegans not eat?

They skip all animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy and usually honey.

What can I use instead of butter in vegan baking?

Plant-based butter or a mild oil works in many recipes. Follow the recipe for amounts.

Are vegan recipes always gluten-free?

No. Many use wheat flour or pasta, so check each recipe if you also avoid gluten.

Kitchen tips

Use canned chickpea liquid or ground flaxseed in place of eggs in some baking.
Blend soaked cashews for a creamy sauce.
Read labels, since broth, bread and sweets can hide animal ingredients.
Toast nuts and spices to build deeper flavor.
Use olive oil or a plant-based butter for sautéing and baking.