Why is Fish Not Meat?

The vegetarian diet is predominantly plant-based. What vegetarians generally have in common is not eating meat or poultry. However, some vegetarians eat fish, which by definition makes them pescetarians. But why is fish not considered meat? And is fish the healthier alternative to meat? You can find explanations here!

Neither fish nor meat – nor with fish?

The reasons for a vegetarian lifestyle are as varied as they are individual. The advantage is that a purely or predominantly plant-based diet contains a lot of vegetables, herbs, fruit, and nuts – i.e. foods that can generally have a positive effect on well-being. There are also many reasons for completely avoiding meat. The most common are religious, ethical, and ecological motives.

Renunciation of meat in a religious context is a complex matter – ultimately it is up to the interpretation of the dogma what is defined as “meat”. For example, in Catholicism, fish is not considered meat and can therefore be eaten on Good Friday. From an ethical point of view, fish is generally no different from cows, pigs, or chickens. Still, some vegetarians may feel more emotionally distant, as fish are not associated with slaughterhouses, live transportation, and factory farming.

Fish is healthier than meat: is that true?

Those who do not eat meat but eat fish sometimes do so for nutrition-conscious reasons, since fish provides high-quality protein, vitamin D, iodine, and valuable omega-3 fatty acids – this applies in particular to high-fat fish such as mackerel, salmon, and herring. There are differing opinions as to whether fish is generally healthier than meat. Ultimately, the same applies to both: Pay attention to the origin and quality, e.g. recognizable by the MSC and ASC seal for sustainable fishing and fish farming, and enjoy consciously and in moderation.

Enjoyment counts too!

If you want to eat a vegetarian or pescetarian diet, there is plenty of information and specialist agencies that you can consult. Whichever diet you ultimately choose – vegetarian without meat and fish or vegetarian without meat but with fish: Eating is always an expression of joie de vivre, and it is certainly good for your health!

So put the guides aside for a moment and browse through our recipes. There you will find culinary ideas that whet your appetite for something new – and whet your appetite! How about our varied fish recipes, for example? You can find tips on choosing a wine under “Which wine goes with fish?”. Try it out and enjoy!