Sauces & condiments

Is pesto vegan?

Sometimes vegan — pesto is derived from cow's milk, which means a calf was separated from its mother for it to exist.

Sometimes vegan

Is pesto vegan?

Sometimes vegan

Why

pesto is derived from cow's milk, which means a calf was separated from its mother for it to exist.

Commonly hides in

  • pasta

What to use instead

nutritional yeastIt does exactly the same job in coffee, cooking and baking, with no change in method.

How to check a label

Ingredient lists are legally required to name allergens such as milk and egg in bold, which catches most hidden animal ingredients. E-numbers and processing aids are the gap: E120, E441, E542, E904 and E920 are animal-derived, and processing aids often go unlisted. When in doubt, look for a certified vegan mark or ask the manufacturer directly — most reply within a few days.

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