Jainism places great importance on ahimsa (non-violence), which extends to minimizing harm to all living beings, including animals. As a result, traditional Jain dietary practices are highly aligned with vegan principles, though there are some differences.

Most Jains follow a strict vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat, fish, eggs, and root vegetables (such as onions, garlic, potatoes, and carrots) because uprooting these harms many small organisms and the entire plant. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and ghee are traditionally consumed by many Jains, as they are considered less harmful if sourced ethically. However, with increased awareness of cruelty in the modern dairy industry, some Jains are choosing to adopt a vegan lifestyle to further reduce harm to animals.

In summary, veganism aligns closely with Jain principles of non-violence, and some Jains do practice veganism as an expression of their faith.