Many foods that seem suitable for vegetarians at first glance actually use animal-derived ingredients or processing agents. In general, many of these unexpected additives are found in highly processed, pre-packaged foods. Even omnivores may want to reconsider some of their food choices based on some of the more surprising ingredients on this list.
Ingredient
Used in
Alternatives
anchovy
some pizza and pasta sauces
many restaurants do not use this ingredient
Worcestershire sauce
some vegetarian brands, home-made recipes
some salad dressings
bones
white sugar refining process. Bone dust is often found in white sugar
brown sugar, other sweeteners such as stevia
castoreum
raspberry, strawberry or vanilla flavoring. Made from beaver anal glands. May only be listed as "natural flavor"
fish oil
most products that advertise added omega-3 on the label
some products specify flaxseed-derived omega-3
fish and oyster sauces
many dishes in Asian cuisines; especially Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean
gelatin
medicine capsules ("gel caps")
cellulose, starch or carageenan capsules
gummy candies
marshmallows
gelatin desserts (Jell-o)
ice cream and yoghurt
many brands; home-made
brewing process of many beers to reduce cloudiness. Beer makers are not obligated to label their use of gelatin
some beer brands are beginning to advertise as vegetarian-suitable
some cosmetics
isinglass
brewing process of many beers to reduce cloudiness. Beer makers are not obligated to label their use of isinglass
some beer brands are beginning to advertise as vegetarian-suitable
lard
refried beans
some brands of vegetarian refried beans
some pie crusts, tortillas and other baked goods or baking ingredients
L-cystine
amino acid used in prepackaged baked goods. Usually derived from human hair, pig hair or feathers
