9 Hidden Sources of Non-Vegetarian Ingredients

1. Yogurt

Carmine, also known as cochineal extract or carminic acid, is food coloring made from beetles. It can be found in other products such as fruit drinks, jarred cherries, puddings, and applesauce. This is usually listed as "artificial color"; consider synthetic colorings or listed food dyes instead.

2. Beer

Isinglass comes from fish bladders and is used to clarify ales and lagers. It is not required to be put on the label. Only trace amounts are left in the finished beer. Usually found in premium (often German) white wines and most British or Irish beers. Most keg, canned, or bottled beers are good alternatives.

3. Frosted Cereal

Gelatin is a thickener made from bones, ligaments, tendons, and related. Can be found in many products, especially marshmallows but also candy, roasted peanuts, and processed cheese spreads. Seaweed is being used as an alternative (carrageenan and agar) or locust bean gum.

4. Orange Juice

OJ fortified with Vitamin D3 (usually fish oils or lanolin/sheep wool oils). For Vitamin D, get adequate, but appropriate, sunlight daily and consider Vitamin D2.

5. White sugar

Sugar is lightened/whitened by bleaching often by running it through bone char. You won't find this listed on the label. You can opt for sugars stating that they use a different filtration system or consider beet sugar, turbinado, or sucanat.

6. Pie crusts

Lard is found in many products including pre-made pie crusts, seasoned or refried beans, gum, and other baked goods. Look for vegetable fats instead of lard on the label for a veg alternative.

7. Bloody Marys

This popular cocktail often has anchovies which can also be found in many asian foods, worcestershire sauce, and caesar salads.

8. Crackers

Many crackers, and other products such as bread and cake and protein bars/shakes, contain whey. Whey is a milk by-product.

9. Cheese

It can be confusing when reading the cheese label when you see listed rennet but if you want a veg version, look for vegetable or microbial rennet or enzymes.

I hope you have enjoyed this list if you are avoiding animal products. If you are interesting in a more plant-based diet but want to ensure you are getting all of the nutrients you need, please feel free to contact me (GA residents).

Yours in Health,

Julie Wallace, RD, LD, CSP