Have you ever thought you were eating vegan, only to discover that some sneaky ingredient ruined it for you? It’s frustrating, right?
Let’s dive into some common foods and find out which non-vegan ingredients might be hiding in your kitchen.
1. Gelatin in Gummies
Who doesn’t love a chewy, fruity gummy treat? But beware! Many gummy sweets contain gelatin, a gelling agent derived from animal collagen. Yep, that means it comes from the bones, skin, and connective tissues of animals. Yuck!
What to Look For:
- Check the label for gelatin.
- Opt for vegan alternatives that use agar-agar or pectin.
Our Top Pick:
2. Casein in Cheese
Casein, a protein found in milk, is often used in cheese. It’s not just lactose you need to worry about. Casein can sneak into even those “lactose-free” cheeses, making them non-vegan.
What to Look For:
- Check for casein or caseinate on the ingredients list.
- Choose plant-based cheeses made from nuts or soy.
Our Top Pick:
3. Lactose in Bread
Lactose, a sugar derived from milk, is sometimes added to bread to enhance flavour and texture. This can be a sneaky addition, especially in pre-packaged and processed breads.
You can find a variety of vegan bread options through services like Green Chef, which delivers fresh, vegan meal kits to your door. Explore more at Green Chef.
What to Look For:
- Scan the ingredients for lactose or milk solids.
- Opt for clearly labelled vegan bread.
Our Top Pick:
4. Shellac on Fruits
Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, often used to give fruits like apples a glossy finish. While it makes them look appealing, it’s definitely not vegan.
For a reliable source of fresh, organic produce, try Mindful Chef.
What to Look For:
- Avoid fruits with an overly shiny appearance unless labelled as unwaxed.
- Wash and peel fruits to remove any coatings.
Our Top Pick:
- Choose unwaxed fruits from local farmers’ markets.
5. Isinglass in Beer
Isinglass, made from fish bladders, is used in the beer-making process to clarify the liquid. This makes many beers non-vegan without you even realising it.
Nothing Fishy offers supplements, but they also provide great resources on vegan-friendly beverages. Learn more at Nothing Fishy.
What to Look For:
- Check for vegan certifications on your beer.
- Opt for brands that clearly state they’re vegan-friendly.
Our Top Pick:
6. Carmine in Dyes
Carmine, also known as cochineal, is a red dye made from crushed cochineal insects. It’s used in everything from sweets to cosmetics. Brands like Cake or Death offer vegan-friendly, colourful treats.
What to Look For:
- Avoid products listing carmine, cochineal, or E120.
- Choose vegan-certified coloured foods and cosmetics.
Our Top Pick:
7. L-Cysteine in Dough
L-cysteine, an amino acid derived from animal hair or feathers, is used as a dough conditioner in baked goods. Yes, you read that right! You can find plenty of vegan baked goods from services like Planty, which delivers vegan meals to your home.
What to Look For:
- Check for L-cysteine or E920 in ingredients.
- Opt for freshly baked bread from vegan-friendly bakeries.
Our Top Pick:
8. Stearic Acid in Supplements
Stearic acid, which can be derived from animal fats, is often used in supplements and vitamins. Brands like Dr Vegan and Brain Feed offer excellent vegan options.
What to Look For:
- Ensure supplements are clearly labelled vegan.
- Choose plant-based supplement brands.
Our Top Pick:
9. Lanolin in Vitamins
Lanolin, sourced from sheep’s wool, is sometimes used in vitamin D supplements. This hidden animal product is easily overlooked. Companies like MyVegan provide a great range of vegan vitamins and supplements.
What to Look For:
- Verify that vitamin D3 supplements are plant-based.
- Seek out vegan-certified vitamins.
Our Top Pick:
10. Animal Enzymes in Snacks
Animal enzymes, such as rennet, are used in the production of various snacks, including some crisps and biscuits. Brands like We Are Nutrified offer snacks that are 100% vegan. Learn more at We Are Nutrified.
What to Look For:
- Check for animal rennet or enzymes in the ingredients.
- Opt for snacks labelled vegan.
Our Top Pick:
Whey in Protein Powders
Whey, a by-product of cheese production, is commonly found in protein powders. It’s derived from milk, making it non-vegan.
What to Look For:
- Check for whey protein concentrate or isolate in the ingredients.
- Opt for plant-based protein powders made from peas, rice, or hemp.
Our Top Pick:
Albumin in Marshmallows
Albumin, a protein derived from egg whites, is often used to give marshmallows their fluffy texture. This means they aren’t vegan-friendly.
What to Look For:
- Avoid marshmallows containing albumin or egg whites.
- Choose vegan marshmallows made with plant-based ingredients.
Our Top Pick:
Glycerin in Toothpaste
Glycerin, which can be derived from animal fats, is a common ingredient in toothpaste. It’s used to maintain moisture and improve texture.
What to Look For:
- Check for glycerin and ensure it’s plant-derived.
- Choose vegan-certified toothpaste brands.
Our Top Pick:
Caseinate in Protein Bars
Caseinate, derived from casein, is often used in protein bars to enhance their nutritional profile. This makes them unsuitable for vegans.
What to Look For:
- Avoid protein bars listing caseinate or milk protein.
- Opt for plant-based protein bars.
Our Top Pick:
Beeswax in Sweets
Beeswax, used to give sweets a glossy finish, is an animal product. It’s commonly found in candies and chewing gum.
What to Look For:
- Look for beeswax or E901 on labels.
- Choose vegan-certified sweets.
Our Top Pick:
Stay Vigilant and Shop Smart
Ensuring your diet is genuinely vegan means staying informed and vigilant about hidden animal products. Always check labels and opt for certified vegan options whenever possible. For more tips and recommendations, check out the research and resources on GetVedgy.
By staying aware of these common non-vegan ingredients, you can confidently keep your diet cruelty-free and truly vegan. Happy food shopping, and remember to spread the word to fellow vegans!
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further advice on maintaining a vegan lifestyle. Let’s continue to learn and grow together on this compassionate journey!
I’m the founder and editor-in-chief at GetVedgy. As a former meat eater who only recently made a commitment to veganism, I’ve spent a lot of time over the last couple of years researching the subject. It felt like a good idea to share what I’ve learnt and help to answer the questions I’ve had that no doubt many others’ will also have.