Here’s a simple Jain perspective on common daily foods like milk, oil, sugar, etc., for lay practitioners (śrāvakas/śrāvikas). Note the differences between Digambar and Śvetambar traditions are mentioned.

• Milk and dairy

- Generally permitted for many lay Jains as a source of protein and calcium. - Some adherents, especially in stricter or more austere contexts, may avoid dairy due to ahimsa concerns (animal welfare) or personal/spiritual considerations. - Ghee and other dairy fats are used by many households, but not universally; some avoid ghee in fasting periods or for reasons of purity and restraint.

• Oils and fats

- Plant-based oils (e.g., sesame, groundnut, sunflower) are commonly used in cooking by many Jains. - Some Digambar practitioners exercise more austerity and may limit oil use, especially during fasting or specific vrata (vows). Śvetambar communities typically have a wider acceptance of using vegetable oils in daily cooking. - Oil use is generally viewed through the lens of ahimsa (non-harm) and moderation.

• Sugar and sweetness

- Sugar and other sweeteners are commonly used and allowed in daily diet for many Jains. - Some who follow stricter vows may prefer natural sweeteners or minimize sweets, especially during periods of fast or penance. - Honey is typically avoided, as it is considered to involve harm to living beings.

• Roots and other restricted vegetables

- A major practical rule in Jain food is avoidance of root vegetables (e.g., potato, onion, garlic, carrot) for many lay Jains, because uprooting and harming small life forms is avoided. - Leafy greens, other non-root vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, and dairy are commonly part of the diet, depending on regional/sect practices.

• General dietary approach

- The central aim is ahiṁsā (non-violence), self-discipline, and mindfulness about harming any living beings in food preparation and consumption. - Some households practice further austerities during panchamaha vrat (major vows) or āchārya-guided fasting days, which can affect what is eaten even within the above categories.

• Digambar vs. Śvetambar nuances (summary)

- Both traditions emphasize non-violence and restraint; actual dietary practices vary by community and household. - Śvetambar households typically have broader use of dairy and oils in daily cooking; Digambar communities may adopt stricter rules in some places, especially among renunciants or during fasts. - If you need exact practices for a particular community, I can outline the usual expectations for that group.

If you’d like, I can share brief references from Jain scriptures or canonical explanations in simple terms, or tailor this to a specific community (Digambar or Śvetambar) and your daily routine.