What all food is prohibited

Here is a simple outline of common Jain dietary guidelines, with differences between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions noted where they matter.

Essential prohibitions (shared by most Jain communities)

• Do not eat meat, fish, eggs, or any food that comes from killing animals.
• Do not consume honey or foods that involve animal-derived ingredients (unless specifically prepared in a strictly vegan Jain way, which is rare).

Vegetarian but with some common extra cautions

• Most Jains are strict vegetarians and avoid foods that involve animals in any form (gelatin, dairy is generally allowed, but some stricter practices avoid dairy in certain contexts or during fasts).
• Avoid onion, garlic, and other root vegetables in many communities, because pulling up the plant harms the entire organism and can involve more living beings.
• Avoid mushrooms, due to beliefs about their lack of determinable life status and potential harm to small organisms.

Root vegetables and other plant-based restrictions

• Root vegetables commonly avoided: potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, beets, radishes, and similar crops. They are believed to involve extensive uprooting and potential harm to many living beings.
• Leafy greens, beans, grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and dairy (in many practices) are acceptable, though individual communities may have variations.

Other important points

• No alcohol or intoxicants, as they cloud judgment and lead to harming living beings.
• Fasting days and seasonal restrictions are common; many Jains observe partial or complete fasts on specific days or during festivals like Paryushana.
• Food should be prepared and eaten with a mindset of nonviolence (ahimsa) and mindfulness of living beings, including microorganisms.

Differences to note (brief)

• Digambar: Some strict Digambar practices may have more stringent rules about accepting alms and certain foods, and they typically distinguish between what is allowed for monks versus lay followers.
• Shwetambar: Generally more lenient about fasting and about dairy, though many Shwetambar households still avoid root vegetables and follow similar nonviolence principles for food.

If you’d like, I can tailor these guidelines to your specific tradition (Digambar or Shwetambar) and the level of observance you’re aiming for.