Can Vegans Eat Fish? And The Big Omega Secret You Need To Know About 

The question of whether vegans can eat fish is one that comes up a lot. After all, fish has long been trusted by meat eaters as a reliable source of omega-3. But we have the top 3 reasons vegans DON’T eat fish and why everyone should be cutting out the middleman and getting their omega straight from the source!

3 Big Reasons Vegans DON’T Eat Fish 

The answer to ‘can vegans eat fish?’ is a resounding NO, but here are the 3 big reasons why:

  1. Fish Are Animals: Veganism is a lifestyle that abides by the ethical principle of non-violence towards animals. Fish are animals and therefore fall under the category of things that vegans don’t eat or use for their own purposes. 
  2. It Isn’t Healthy: Many people believe that fish is a great source of protein, but this is not true. Fish contains high levels of mercury and other toxins that can negatively affect the nervous system and the immune system if consumed regularly.
  3. Environmental Concerns: The fishing industry has a large carbon footprint, and fish farming is an unsustainable practice that puts so much strain on our oceans and their inhabitants.

The Big Omega Secret 

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that’s important for many bodily functions, including brain health, heart health, and skin health.

But here’s a big secret about Omega: eating fish or taking fish oil is not the best way to get your daily dose.

In fact, fish don’t actually produce omega-3s—they just consume algae, which is where those healthy fats come from.

This means that if you’re eating fish for the sake of getting omega-3s, then you could be doing more harm than good. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to supplement without animal products that are just as good at helping your body stay healthy.

Algae supplements are a much healthier source of Omega’s AND they’re free from pesticides, chemicals, and other contaminants found in farmed seafood. They also contain both DHA and EPA, which makes them a great option for vegans who want to get their daily dose of omegas without eating fish. 

And the best part? Algae is a sustainable source! It is a fast-growing plant, so it doesn’t require as much space or resources as animal sources and can be harvested year-round. 

With the rise of veganism, algae-based supplements are now widely available and can easily be found online in various forms. Here are three great options to try:

  1. Pure & Essential Vegan Omega 3, Sustainable Algae Oil 
  2. VITAYUMMY Vegan Omega 3 Gummy Vitamins 
  3. SafeFine Vitamin Omega 3 Drops

Other Great Vegan Omega Sources

Besides supplements, there are all kinds of vegan omega sources out there, all you have to do is know what they are and make sure they’re part of your diet, then you can go ahead and enjoy a vegan lifestyle without worrying about not getting these essential fatty acids!  

Here are just a few of the amazing vegan omega sources out there:

Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that’s not found in a lot of plant foods. They’re also high in fibre, so they can help you feel fuller longer and reduce cholesterol levels. Flaxseeds can be added to smoothies, salads, and baked goods, as well as sprinkled on top of cooked dishes, they are very versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with them!

Chia seeds: Chia seeds are another good source of ALA, which has been shown to be more effective than fish oil at reducing inflammation and lowering bad cholesterol. They’re also rich in protein, fibre, antioxidants, and calcium. They can be used to make chia pudding or for some added crunch and nutrients in your favourite dishes! 

Walnuts: Walnuts are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids out there—they have more ALA than any other nut or seed. They’re also rich in antioxidants that have been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease by keeping your blood vessels healthy.

Seaweed: Seaweed is one of the best vegan sources for EPA and DHA—two omega-3 fatty acids that aren’t found in plants but are essential for human health! Seaweed also contains vitamin C and iodine, which helps regulate metabolism and thyroid function.

Other plant-based omega food sources include avocados, brussel sprouts, wild rice, plant oils, and lots of other vegetables. So if you’re thinking of cutting out seafood, don’t worry, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to getting in your all-important omegas.

Think You’d Miss Fish? Think again! 

Really the answer to: Can vegans eat fish? should be yes, because the replacements these days are so similar, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference!

Fish shouldn’t be on anyone’s plate, but you don’t have to miss it when going vegan. There are substitutes for everything from salmon fillets to breaded fish to crab cakes. Everything you could ever crave from the sea is there for you in plant-based form.

If you’re a big fan of tuna and still craving it after going vegan, here’s an amazing Chickpea Tuna recipe that will make you forget all about the real thing.

So there you have it! A vegan can’t eat fish, but it’s actually good news! Cutting out fish is great for your health and the environment. And hopefully, this article has given you the nudge needed to cut it out of your diet and start living the healthy lifestyle that you deserve! 

Thanks for reading! And if you have any more questions like this, you may want to check out our section on the vegan diet!

Recent Posts

About the Author

Toni

Toni

Vegan children's book writer- check out "Ollie The Vegan Dinosaur"!- and loves all things word-y. (Oh, and a sucker for reasonably-priced cruelty-free mascara!)

Leave a Comment

Vegan Varsity logo