Which term best describes food that does not contain meat or dairy and complies with kosher laws?

The term "pareve" specifically refers to foods that contain neither meat nor dairy, making it an essential classification within Jewish dietary laws (kashrut). This designation allows pareve foods to be consumed with either meat or dairy meals without violating kashrut, as mixing meat and dairy is prohibited. Pareve foods include fruits, vegetables, grains, and certain processed foods that do not have any meat or dairy ingredients.

In contrast, vegetarian refers more broadly to a diet that excludes meat but may include dairy and eggs, and lactose intolerance relates to an individual's inability to properly digest lactose, which is found in dairy products. Meat analogs are products designed to mimic the taste and texture of meat but are not necessarily aligned with kosher laws unless they meet the pareve standard. Therefore, pareve is the precise term that encompasses food that is free from both meat and dairy while also adhering to kosher regulations.