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As a vegan, one strives to eliminate suffering by avoiding all animal ingredients. In addition to not eating animal flesh a vegan does not eat or drink the secretions of another being, or consume products that are produced with animal labor, such as honey. Along with not consuming these animal products, a vegan also takes special care not to use products or wear items that contain animal ingredients or are the result of animal testing.
All vegans know that they should avoid dairy, eggs, honey and leather, but are there hidden animal ingredients lurking in your products?
Albumin. Albumin is an egg protein that is used as a thickener and to add texture. Albumin can be found in some processed foods.
Carmine. Carmine is a red coloring made from ground insects. Carmine can be found in colored drinks, candies, and popsicles.
Calcium Stearate. Calcium stearate is a mineral that can be animal or vegetable derived. It is typically derived from livestock and can be found in some garlic salts and bottled salad dressings.
Gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from the unused portions of slaughtered animals. Gelatin can be found in marshmallows, frosted cereals, and in pill coatings, on pills listed as “gel cap”.
Glucose. Glucose in the form of dextrose is sometimes processed through bone charcoal, as is white sugar. Dextrose can be found in sodas, candies, and frostings. When purchasing sugar it is best to purchase unrefined sugar or turbinado sugar.
Glycerides. Glycerides can again be animal or plant derived, so avoid unless specified. Glycerides are found in many lotions, perfumes, inks and glues. Elmer's glue states on their website that “Elmer's does not use animals or animal parts to make glue. Our products are made from synthetic materials and are not derived from processing horses, cows or any other animals.”
Isinglass. Isinglass is derived from the swim bladders of fish. It is used to clarify alcohol. Most beers are inherently vegan, although some are not. Isinglass is more frequently used in wine making. Yellowtail red wines do not use isinglass in their processing. Also, an assortment of vegan wines can be purchased from The Wine Shop at Whole Foods Market Louisville.
Lactic Acid and Lactylic Stearate. The ingredients are derived from animal or vegetable sources. Lactic acid imparts a tart flavor and can be found in pickles, olives and sauerkraut. Lactic acid can usually be assumed safe for vegans, unless it is part of a stearate as in lactylic stearate. Lactylic Stearate is a dough conditioner, and can be found in breads, bagels, and other baked goods.
Myristic Acid. Myristic acid is an animal fat that is found in some chocolate and candies.
Oleic acid and Tallow. Oleic acid and tallow are both solidified fat of sheep and cattle. Oleic acid can be found in candies, soaps, and cosmetics. Tallow is also found in soaps and cosmetics, as well as wax paper, candles and crayons.
Royal Jelly. Royal Jelly is a by-product produced by the glands of bees. Royal Jelly is found in many natural foods and nutrient supplements.
Stearic Acid. Stearic Acid is made from tallow and other animal fats. Stearic Acid can be found in vanilla flavoring, chewing gum, soaps, candies and the coating of some pills.
Whey. Whey is the liquid that separates from milk solids during the process of making cheese. Whey is found in crackers, breads, and other processed foods.
Suet. Suet is the hard white fat that is found around the kidneys of animals. Many bird feeds contain suet.
Vitamins. Vitamin A1 (in the form of retinol) can be from a vegetable source, egg yolk, or fish liver oil. Vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) is derived from fish liver oil or lanolin (waxy fat from sheep's wool).
With all of these hidden ingredients, what can you do to insure that we are avoiding the use of animal products? You can start by looking for claims on packaging. Many packages will indicate that the product was made with all vegetarian or vegan ingredients. Be careful of these claims though, and know that vegetarian ingredients may still include eggs, milk or honey. When purchasing health and beauty care products, look for the leaping bunny logo to indicated that the product is cruelty free. Be sure to watch for claims that a product is both free of animal ingredients and is not tested on animals. You are safest finding products with the certified vegan logo on them.
Deciphering ingredient lists can be difficult at best, it can be helpful to take along a list, such as this one, to help you spot those common hidden ingredients when you go shopping. Soon you'll find products that you love and trust.
For a complete list of animal derived ingredients visit:
http://www.cyberparent.com/eat/hiddenanimalsinfood.htm
Comments
Thanks for the excellent info! VRG on its web site, though, I think says lactic acid may be vegetable derived ....
Ivy - Thanks for your comment. Lactic acid can be vegetable derived, as is the case in products such as Earth Balance Buttery Spread. It will most likely be listed as "non-animal derived" on foods that are safe for vegans to consume. Lactic acid is most likely vegan unless it is part of a stearate.
Excellent list. I don't know if this still holds true, but carmine was often used in red lipstick and other red-toned cosmetics. Always best to check the labels there, too.
I guess it's good that they find a way to use everything to eliminate wastefulness (animal parts) but it's also revolting at the same time. I have known about hidden ingredients for many years and read labels on everything I buy 99.9% of the time - sometimes I slip if I'm in a hurry, etc which is rare. Getting into the habit of reading labels is definitely a must for those who have restrictions based on their beliefs.
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