Because there are many meatless diets, ranging from those who allow the consumption of fish to those who limit their diet to eating ripe fruits of plants and trees, a lot of misunderstanding has arisen about what does qualify as vegetarian and what does not. The most common form of vegetarianism in the Western world is ovo-lacto vegetarianism. Generally speaking, when someone uses the term vegetarian, ovo-lacto vegetarianism is assumed. Such a diet excludes all animal flesh and slaughter by-products such gelatine and rennet.[1] Many vegetarians and vegans in particular will also refuse to use non-food by-products acquired through slaughter such as leather and fur.[2] More extreme forms include ovo vegetarianism (no dairy), lacto vegetarianism (no eggs) and veganism (no eggs, dairy or any other animal product).[1] Pescetarianism is a considered a semi-vegetarian diet: it consists primarily of vegetarian foods but an exception is made for fish.[3]
| Name |
Life |
Comments |
Dietary Habit |
Notes |
| Adel, Sharon den Sharon den Adel |
(1974–) |
Singer. Of the gothic metal band Within Temptation. |
Vegetarian |
[8] |
| Bergh van Eysinga, Henri W.PH.E. van den Henri W.PH.E. van den Bergh van Eysinga |
(1868–1922) |
Activist. Preacher, Revolutionary and philosophical writer. |
Vegetarian |
[9] |
| Boeke, Kees Kees Boeke |
(1884–1966) |
Activist. Pedagogue and Christian pacifist. Boeke developed the idea of sociocracy, a form of government or management that presumes equality of individuals and is based on consent. |
Vegetarian |
[10] |
| Bos, Wouter Wouter Bos |
(1963–) |
Politician. Leader of the Labour Party (PvdA), Minister of Finance and the Deputy Prime Minister of Balkenende IV. |
Vegetarian |
[11] |
| Brandt Corstius, Hugo Hugo Brandt Corstius |
(1935–) |
Writer. He studied mathematics and received a Ph.D in computational linguistics from the UvA. Known for his numerous books and columns he published under the pseudonyms Piet Grijs, Stoker and Battus. |
Vegetarian |
[12] |
| Breij, Claudia de Claudia de Breij |
(1975–) |
Comedian. Comedian, presenter and former disc jockey. She participated in Serious Request 2006 and presented De Wereld Draait Door. |
Vegetarian |
[13] |
| Brouwer, Luitzen E.J. Luitzen E.J. Brouwer |
(1881–1966) |
Scientist. World renowned mathematician and philosopher. Professor at the University of Amsterdam. Created the concept of intuitive mathematics. |
Vegetarian |
[14] |
| Buitenweg, Kathalijne Kathalijne Buitenweg |
(1970–) |
Politician. Chair of the GreenLeft/Green! delegation in the European Parliament. |
Vegetarian |
[15] |
| Clercq, Daniël de Daniël de Clercq |
(1845–1931) |
Activist. Second chairman of the NVB [a] and published numerous brochures. He was also candidate of the SDAP. |
Vegetarian |
[16] |
| Dessing, Floortje Floortje Dessing (nl) |
(1970–) |
Presenter. Television presenter and producer. Known for her traveling programs such as Yorin Travel. Her own boutique sells solely fair trade products. She's also a writer of travel guides. |
Vegetarian |
[8] |
| Dijk, Wendy van Wendy van Dijk (nl) |
(1971–) |
Presenter. Acted in films such as Liever verliefd, In Oranje and Alles is liefde and presented shows such as Ushi en Van Dijk, Domino Day and Idols 4. |
Pescetarian |
[17] |
| Domela Nieuwenhuis, Ferdinand Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis |
(1846–1919) |
Politician. Former Lutheran preacher who lost his faith and became a prominent socialist. He was the first socialist elected into the Second Chamber and was the leader of the Social Democratic League. Later he became an anarchist. |
Vegetarian |
[18] |
| Dorrius, Wesley Wesley Dorrius |
(1979–) |
DJ. Known by his stage name DJ Wesdex. Disk jockey and festival organiser. |
Vegan |
[19][20] |
| Douwes, Pia Pia Douwes |
(1964–) |
Singer. |
Vegetarian |
[13] |
| Drijver, Anna Anna Drijver |
(1983–) |
Actress. (Stage)actress and model. |
Vegetarian |
[15][21] |
| Dulk-de Roo, Hetty den Hetty den Dulk-de Roo |
(1920–) |
Activist. Advocate of healthy living and eating. Founded the Gezondheidshuis (English: Health house) in The Hague and centre Tot de Bron (To the source) in Luttelgeest. |
Vegetarian |
[22][23] |
| Eeden, Frederik van Frederik van Eeden |
(1860–1932) |
Writer. Productive writer, philosopher, physician and psychiatrist. Known for his books De kleine Johannes (1892) and Van de koele meren des doods (1900). |
Vegetarian |
[24] |
| Graaf, Volkert van der Volkert van der Graaf |
(1969–) |
Activist. Murderer of politician Pim Fortuyn. Animal rights activist and environmentalist. |
Vegan |
[25] |
| Gerritsen, Don Don Gerritsen |
(1984–) |
United Nations Youth Representative to the Commission on Sustainable Development. |
Vegetarian |
[26] |
| Graus, Dion Dion Graus |
(1967–) |
Politician. Member of Parliament of the Party for Freedom. |
Vegetarian |
[27] |
| Groothuizen, Angela Angela Groothuizen |
(1959–) |
Presenter. Rose to fame as the singer of the Dolly Dots. After the band quit, she started presenting television shows for the AVRO and Talpa. |
Vegetarian |
[28][29] |
| Hart, Lenie 't Lenie 't Hart |
(1941–) |
Activist. Founded the seal rehabilitation and research centre in Pieterburen, Groningen. |
Vegetarian |
[30] |
| Hart, Maarten 't Maarten 't Hart |
(1944–) |
Writer. Biologist and prominent writer of fiction and non-fiction. Appears regularly on radio and television and contributes to daily newspapers. Lijstduwer for the PvdD |
Vegetarian |
[31] |
| Hawinkels, Maud Maud Hawinkels (nl) |
(1976–) |
Presenter. Most notably for kids choir Kinderen voor Kinderen. |
Vegetarian |
[15] |
| Hees, Martin van Martin van Hees |
(1964–) |
Scientist. Philosopher and professor of ethics at the University of Groningen. |
Vegetarian |
[32][33] |
| Helwegen, Marijke Marijke Helwegen (nl) |
(1948–) |
Presenter. Entertainer and icon of Dutch plastic surgery. |
Vegetarian |
[15] |
| Hertsenberg, Antoinette Antoinette Hertsenberg (nl) |
(1964–) |
Presenter. Hosts programms such as TROS Radar, Opgelicht?! and is the stand-in news anchor of EénVandaag. Married to Niko Koffeman, both of whom are Seventh-day Adventists and vegetarians. [e] |
Vegetarian |
[34] |
| Hoes, Isa Isa Hoes (nl) |
(1967–) |
Actress. (Stage)actress and screenwriter. Became popular through series such as Goede tijden, slechte tijden and Rozengeur & Wodka Lime. Married to Antonie Kamerling, who is a vegetarian. |
Pescetarian |
[8] |
| Holst Pellekaan, Karen van Karen van Holst Pellekaan (nl) |
(1955–) |
Actress. Known for her role as "Bep" in the comedy series Loenatik and its film adaption, Loenatik de Moevie. She was a lijstduwer for the PvdD. |
Vegetarian |
[35] |
| Holt, Viola Viola Holt (nl) |
(1948–) |
Presenter. Worked as an announcer from 1965 tot 1981. Posed as a playmate in the Dutch Playboy in 1984. |
Vegetarian |
[28] |
| Huisman, Henny Henny Huisman |
(1951–) |
Presenter. known for hosting the Soundmixshow and the Miniplaybackshow in the eighties and nineties. |
Vegetarian |
[19] |
| Irrgang, Ewout Ewout Irrgang (nl) |
(1976–) |
Politician. Member of Parliament of the Socialist Party. |
Vegetarian |
[36] |
| Jansen, Dolf Dolf Jansen (nl) |
(1963–) |
Comedian. Comedian, presenter and disk jockey. Jansen is a typical Dutch cabaretier, known for his solo work and collaboration with Hans Sibbel, with whom he forms Lebbis en Jansen. |
Vegetarian |
[19] |
| Jansen, Froukje Froukje Jansen (nl) |
(1976–) |
Presenter. Presents a television show called LLinke Soep. In the programm she visits BN'ers (Dutch celebrities) and tests how environmentally concerned they are. |
Vegetarian |
[37] |
| Joldersma, Cisca Cisca Joldersma (nl) |
(1964–) |
Politician. Member of Parliament of the Christian Democratic Appeal. |
Vegetarian |
[38] |
| Jole, Francisco van Francisco van Jole (nl) |
(1960–) |
Journalist. Specialised in the internet. He's also a blogger, columnist, essayist, photographer and publisher. |
Vegetarian |
[19] |
| Jonker, Corien Corien Jonker (nl) |
(1966–) |
Politician. Member of Parliament of the Christian Democratic Appeal. |
Vegetarian |
[39] |
| Kaayk, Tine Tine Kaayk |
(1905–) |
Scientist. Physician, writer, editor and chairwoman of the NVB.[b] |
Vegetarian |
[40] |
| Kamerling, Antonie Antonie Kamerling |
(1966–) |
Actor. Occasional singer. Became famous through the film adaptation of Boudewijn Büch's book De Kleine Blonde Dood and his role in soap opera Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden. |
Vegetarian |
[5] |
| Keilman, Henk Henk Keilman (nl) |
(1953–) |
Entrepreneur. He's the incumbent chair of the NVB.[c] He's also known for his involvement in the Dutch Dragons' Den. |
Vegetarian |
[19][41] |
| Kelder, Jort Jort Kelder (nl) |
(1964–) |
Journalist. Columnist, publisher and presenter. Kelder is the former editor in chief of Quote magazine, presents the Dutch Dragon's Den and co-founded the foundation Eet geen dierenleed (English:Don't eat animal suffering). |
Vegetarian |
[5] |
| Keulen, Mensje van Mensje van Keulen (nl) |
(1946–) |
Writer. Pseudonym of Mensje Francina van der Steen. Fiction author. Lijstduwer for the PvdD |
Vegetarian |
[15] |
| Klaveren, Bep van Bep van Klaveren |
(1907–1992) |
Sportsperson. He was an amateur Boxer. At the ago of 23, he was a five times national champion. Participated in 76 fights and won 71 of them. |
Vegetarian |
[42][43] |
| Kluijver, Nicolette Nicolette Kluijver (nl) |
(1984–) |
Presenter. For 'BNN. |
Vegetarian |
[8] |
| Koffeman, Niko Niko Koffeman (nl) |
(1958–) |
Politician. Communication advisor for the Socialist Party and animal rights activist. He is currently member of the First Chamber, representing the Party for the Animals. Seventh-day Adventist [f] |
Vegetarian |
[44] |
| Kooten, Kasper van Kasper van Kooten (nl) |
(1971–) |
Actor. (Voice)actor, comedian, drummer, singer, composer, arranger and presentor. Son of Kees van Kooten and brother of Kim van Kooten |
Vegetarian |
[19] |
| Kooten, Kim van Kim van Kooten |
(1974–) |
Actress. and screenwriter. Daughter of comedian Kees van Kooten and sister of actor, comedian and singer Kasper van Kooten. Won a golden calf for her performance in the Phileine zegt sorry. |
Vegetarian |
[5] |
| Kuiken, Attje Attje Kuiken (nl) |
(1977–) |
Politician. Member of Parliament of the Labour Party (PvdA). |
Vegetarian |
[45] |
| Laan, Lousewies van der Lousewies van der Laan |
(1966–) |
Politician. Former leader of the social liberal Democrats 66 (D66), former MEP. |
Pescetarian |
[46] |
| Ligt, Bart de Bart de Ligt (nl) |
(1883–1938) |
Activist. Preacher, peace activist and advocate of christian socialism as member of the Social Democratic Labour Party. |
Vegetarian |
[47] |
| Leddy, Rixt Rixt Leddy (nl) |
(1976–) |
Actress. Known for roles in Zwartboek, Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden and Goudkust. |
Vegetarian |
[8] |
| Messchaert, Johan Johan Messchaert |
(1857–1922) |
Singer. known for his rendering of the Matthæus Passion. Taught at his conservatoire he founded in Amsterdam. |
Vegetarian |
[48] |
| Moll, Jorinde Jorinde Moll (nl) |
(1971–) |
Presenter. Presented television show De Grote Beurt. Sister of actress Marjena Moll. |
Vegetarian |
[5] |
| Mouthaan, Erik Erik Mouthaan (nl) |
(1974–) |
Journalist. He's the United States correspondent for RTL News. |
Vegetarian |
[13][49] |
| Ortt, Felix Felix Ortt (nl) |
(1866–1959) |
Activist. Fought against vivisection and militarism and promoted vegetarianism. Was chairman and co-founder of the NVB.[d] Civil engineer, educator, philospher and writer. |
Vegetarian |
[50] |
| Ouwehand, Esther Esther Ouwehand |
(1976–) |
Politician. Member of Parliament of the Party for the Animals (PvdD). |
Vegetarian |
[51] |
| Polak, Henri Henri Polak (nl) |
(1868–1943) |
Politician. Trade Unionist and Member of Parliament of the SDAP, which he co-founded. He was also chairman of the General Dutch Diamond Cutters Union and the Dutch Association of Trade Unions (NVV). |
Vegetarian |
[52] |
| Reinderman, Dimitri Dimitri Reinderman |
(1972–) |
Sportsperson. Chess player with an Elo rating of 2521. |
Vegetarian |
[19] |
| Rivas, Titus Titus Rivas (nl) |
(1964–) |
Activist. Theoretical psychologist and systematic philosopher. Animal rights activist, author and columnist. |
Vegan |
[53] |
| Roland Holst, Henriette Henriette Roland Holst (nl) |
(1869–1952) |
Writer. Socialist poet. Wrote the Dutch lyrics for the Internationale. |
Vegetarian |
[54] |
| Rooij, Nathalie de Nathalie de Rooij (nl) |
(1973–) |
Politician. Member of Parliament of the Socialist Party. |
Vegetarian |
[55] |
| Samsom, Diederik Diederik Samsom |
(1971–) |
Politician. Nuclear Physicist and Member of Parliament of the Labour Party (PvdA). |
Vegetarian |
[56] |
| Schippers, Wim T. Wim T. Schippers |
(1942–) |
Presenter. Television and radio producer, (voice)actor, comedian, writer, presenter and artist, loosely related to the Fluxus movement. Known for his voice over of Sesame street's Ernie. |
Vegetarian |
[15] |
| Schrijver, Loretta Loretta Schrijver |
(1956–) |
Presenter. News anchor for RTL News and presented several shows, one of which was the AVRO television program Alle dieren tellen mee (English: All animals matter). |
Vegetarian |
[57] |
| Slegers, Saskia Saskia Slegers (de) |
(1962–) |
DJ. Owner of record label Djax Records. Known by her stage name Miss Djax. |
Vegetarian |
[8] |
| Smit, Susan Susan Smit (nl) |
(1974–) |
Writer. Columnist and former model. Wrote the book Heks on witchcraft. |
Vegetarian |
[58] |
| Steylen, Aad Aad Stelylen |
(1935–) |
Sportsperson. Athlete, participated in sprints, middle and long distance track events. Dutch champion 800 metres in 1961. |
Vegetarian |
[59] |
| Strijbos, Jan P. Jan P. Strijbos |
(1891–1983) |
Writer. Naturalist, nature photographer and writer. Published frequently in daily newspapers such as Het Parool and De Telegraaf. |
Vegetarian |
[60] |
| Thieme, Marianne Marianne Thieme |
(1972–) |
Politician. Animal rights activist and chairwoman and political leader of the Party for the Animals and a writer on animal rights. Seventh-day Adventist. [g] |
Vegetarian |
[61] |
| Toorn-van Dam, Martine van den Martine van den Toorn-van Dam |
(1941–) |
Writer. Wrote "The truth about vegetarianism". |
Vegetarian |
[62] |
| Tuuk, Titia van der Titia van der Tuuk |
(1854–1939) |
Writer. Feminist and writer of religious children's literature. Used the pseudonym Vitalis. |
Vegetarian |
[63] |
| Uyldert, Mellie Mellie Uyldert (nl) |
(1908–) |
Writer. Astrologist, alternative healer and writer. Published in her own monthly magazine "The Candleflame" (Dutch:De Kaarsvlam), the extreme right magazine "Surviving" (Overleven) and new age magazine "Weed" (Onkruid). She is known for her fascist views. |
Vegetarian |
[64][22] |
| Valentyn, Noah Noah Valentyn |
(1982–) |
Actor. Became famous through his roles in films Costa! and Het Schnitzelparadijs. |
Vegetarian |
[19][65] |
| Velden, Marly van der Marly van der Velden (nl) |
(1988–) |
Actress. Known for her role in Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden. The Wakker Dier foundation named her "Sexiest vegetarian of 2006". |
Vegetarian |
[66] |
| Velzen, Krista van Krista van Velzen (nl) |
(1974–) |
Politician. Member of Parliament of the Socialist Party. |
Vegetarian |
[67] |
| Verbaan, Georgina Georgina Verbaan |
(1979–) |
Actress. Played in various soap operas and films such as Costa! and Volle maan. PvdD lijstduwer. |
Vegetarian |
[5] |
| Verdonschot, Leon Leon Verdonschot (nl) |
(1973–) |
Journalist. Also works as writer, presenter and dj. He contributes to De Groene Amsterdammer, Nieuwe Revu and Volkskrant Magazine. |
Vegetarian |
[19] |
| Vogel, Sanne Sanne Vogel |
(1984–) |
Actress. Starred in several theatre productions. |
Vegetarian |
[8][68] |
| Vos, Marijke Marijke Vos |
(1957–) |
Politician. Former Member of Parliament of the GreenLeft and currently an Amsterdam alderman for the Environment and Healthcare |
Vegetarian |
[15] |
| Wang, Lulu Lulu Wang (nl) |
(1960–) |
Writer. Famous for her best-selling autobiographical debut novel "The Lily Theatre". |
Vegetarian |
[15] |
| Weijers, Guido Guido Weijers (nl) |
(1977–) |
Comedian. Performed the traditional oudejaarsconference in 2006 and 2007. |
Vegetarian |
[19] |
| Werff, Monique van der Monique van der Werff (nl) |
(1982–) |
Actress. Made her film debut in a starring role in Loverboy but is best for her role as Taffie in youth-oriented soap opera Zoop. |
Vegetarian |
[69] |
| Westerhof, Dafne Dafne Westerhof |
(1951–) |
Activist. Animal rights activist. She also works as a communication advisor, giving trainings with pigs, for they "hold up a mirror to us". Lijstduwer for the PvdD. |
Vegetarian |
[70][15] |
| Whites, Zara Zara Whites |
(1968–) |
Actress. Former porn star and animal rights activist. Walked naked through the streets of Rotterdam as a publicity stunt for PETA. |
Vegetarian |
[71] |
| Wittop Koning, Martine Martine Wittop Koning |
(1870–1963) |
Writer. Nutrition expert and writer of cook books. |
Vegetarian |
[72][73] |
| Witzier, Anita Anita Witzier (nl) |
(1961–) |
Presenter. Hosted KRO shows Tien voor Taal and Hints |
Vegetarian |
[74] |