In Jainism, “not allowed” (or to be avoided) mainly means foods that involve more hiṁsā (violence) or disturb spiritual progress.

Here’s a simple list:

1. All non‑vegetarian food

- Meat, fish, eggs, egg‑products, animal fat etc. - Honey (because bees and their tiny lives are harmed while collecting it).

1. Root vegetables (both Śvetāmbara and Digambar traditions)

- Potato, onion, garlic, carrot, beetroot, radish, turnip, ginger root, etc. - Reason: uprooting kills the whole plant and disturbs countless tiny jīvas in the soil; some are considered to have many souls (nigod). ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Foods with many micro‑organisms / fermentation (in stricter practice)

- Yeast and yeast‑based products (e.g., nutritional yeast, baker’s yeast). ( jainknowledge.com) - Some Jains also avoid: vinegar, alcohol, over‑fermented foods, very old leftovers. - Very strict: may avoid curd, idli‑dosa batter etc., especially during Paryushan/Chaturmas.

1. Night‑eating / food after sunset

- Traditional rule: avoid food (and in stricter vow, even water) after sunset, because more tiny beings are active and cannot be seen, so eating causes more hiṁsā. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Certain items depending on period or vow (Chaturmas, Paryushan, upvās etc.)

- Leafy greens on specific days or months (varies by local tradition). ( jainknowledge.com) - Groundnuts/peanuts during Paryushan (many avoid as they grow underground). ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Modern concerns

- Dairy: shāstra traditionally permits milk, but because today’s dairy often involves cruelty, many Jains are moving toward avoiding milk and milk‑products as well. ( jainknowledge.com)

Difference between Śvetāmbara and Digambar (in short)

• Core principles are same: strict vegetarianism, no roots, no honey, caution with microorganisms, and no night‑eating.
• Details (like what to allow during certain vrats, or how strict to be with fermented foods, leafy greens etc.) may differ by sect, ācārya, and family tradition.

If you tell me your current practice (e.g., “I already avoid onion/garlic but not potato” or “I follow Chauvihār”), I can list exact do’s and don’ts for your level, step by step.