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 | |
rennet | production of most cheeses | various brands |
stock (beef, chicken, etc.) | many soups, both pre-packaged and in restaurants | |
sometimes added to rice Mexican cuisine |