Many Common Food Items Contain Hidden Animal Ingredients
When scanning ingredient lists, many people would be surprised to learn just how many foods that seem innocuous actually contain animal byproducts. From baked goods and candy to beer and potato chips, a wide range of popular snacks and beverages aren’t fully plant-based as one may assume. Let’s explore some examples.
Marshmallows
The fluffy texture of marshmallows comes from gelatin, which is made by boiling the bones, skins, and connective tissues of pigs and cows. Most mainstream marshmallow brands use gelatin as a stabilizer. Vegan marshmallow alternatives swap it out for agar agar or carrageenan derived from seaweed.
Gummy Candies
Gelatin shows up frequently in gummy candy, giving chewy snacks like Gummy Bears their signature texture. Vegan gummies are made with pectin from fruit or seaweed extracts instead.
Frosting
Buttercream frostings are loaded with dairy butter or cream. To make a vegan version, swap in plant-based margarines or coconut oil instead.
Worcestershire Sauce
The tangy flavor of Worcestershire comes from anchovies. To get that umami taste in a vegan recipe, use soy sauce or mushrooms instead.
Refried Beans
While beans themselves are plant-based, many commercial brands of refried beans use lard (pork fat) as a flavoring. Check labels carefully to find vegetarian alternatives or make your own.
Beer and Wine
Surprisingly, some beers and wines use animal products in processing. For example, isinglass (a collagen derived from fish bladders) is sometimes used to filter beer. Certain wines use egg whites, gelatin, or casein (milk protein) in clarification.
FAQ
Why do so many foods contain hidden animal ingredients?
Often it comes down to texture, flavor, and processing. For example, gelatin helps give a chewy texture, eggs can clarify beverages, and animal fats enhance flavor.
Are foods with minimal animal products still considered vegetarian?
It depends. While some vegetarians avoid all animal products, others may still consume foods with small amounts of dairy, eggs or other ingredients.
How can you tell if a food contains animal products?
Carefully read the ingredient list for any items derived from animals. Some common examples include milk, eggs, honey, gelatin and shellac. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer.
What if I accidentally eat something with hidden animal products?
Don’t feel bad – it’s a very common mistake! Just try to be more vigilant about labels moving forward. Over time, it will get easier to spot animal-derived components.
Are there vegan options for foods like marshmallows and gummy bears?
Yes, many brands now offer high-quality vegan versions made with plant-based ingredients. Health food stores are a good place to find them.
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