ASK A VEGAN
Whatarecommonhiddenanimalingredients?
Watch for gelatin, whey, casein, lactose, carmine (E120), shellac (E904), L-cysteine, isinglass, lard, tallow, cochineal, and animal-derived mono- and diglycerides.
FOOD
Short answer
Watch for gelatin, whey, casein, lactose, carmine (E120), shellac (E904), L-cysteine, isinglass, lard, tallow, cochineal, and animal-derived mono- and diglycerides.
FOOD
The detail
Ingredients that sound chemical but are animal-derived: carmine/cochineal (crushed insects, in red sweets and yogurt), shellac (beetle secretion, on shiny apples and pills), L-cysteine (bread softener), lanolin (from sheep wool, in some vitamin D3).
Vitamin D3 is usually from lanolin — vegan D3 from lichen is now widely available. Omega-3 supplements: pick algae-based, not fish oil.
RELATED
More questions like this
- Is sugar vegan?
Usually yes, but some cane sugar in the US is filtered through bone char. Beet sugar, organic sugar and unrefined sugar are always vegan.
- Is wine vegan?
Not always. Many wines are clarified with isinglass (fish bladders), casein, egg white or gelatin. Look for 'unfined' or 'vegan' on the label.
- What supplements do vegans need?
Only B12 is universally required. Vitamin D, iodine, algae-based omega-3 (EPA/DHA), and sometimes zinc, selenium or iron are recommended depending on diet and location.
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