The term 'vegetarian' is not clear-cut. It includes people with a wide range of attitudes and eating behaviours with respect to foods of animal origin. The food vegetarians may choose to eat is often dependent on the reasons or beliefs for following a vegetarian diet. People may choose to follow a vegetarian diet for the following reasons:
Religious beliefs
• Many Hindus and Buddhists follow a vegetarian diet
• Preparing foods for Muslim and Jewish customers can be easier by offering a vegetarian dish rather than having to source Halal or Kosher meats.
Cultural beliefs
• What is considered food in an area
• It can be difficult to separate cultural behaviours from the dominant religion of an area.
Health related
A well balanced vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of chronic disease such as:
• Obesity
• Coronary artery disease.