Which type of diet is characterized by the exclusion of animal products?

The vegan diet is distinguished by its complete exclusion of all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and even honey. This dietary approach is often adopted for various reasons, including ethical beliefs about animal rights, environmental concerns regarding animal farming practices, and health considerations related to the consumption of animal products.

In contrast, the ketogenic diet focuses on a high-fat, low-carbohydrate intake, allowing for some animal products like meat and dairy. The paleo diet emphasizes foods presumed to be available to our Paleolithic ancestors, which includes meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while explicitly excluding processed foods; however, it allows for animal products. The Mediterranean diet is rich in plant-based foods but includes fish, poultry, and dairy, particularly in moderate amounts, thus not aligning with the strict avoidance found in veganism.

Therefore, the defining characteristic of the vegan diet is its total avoidance of animal-derived foods, making it the clear answer in this context.