Vegetarians and vegans have a distinct approach to their dietary choices, making conscious efforts to adhere to their beliefs. However, they are not immune to human fallibility and may inadvertently make errors when selecting foods, mistakenly assuming that certain items are suitable for their vegan lifestyle. Presented here is an enlightening compilation of commonly consumed foods that may deceive vegans and vegetarians. This comprehensive list offers valuable insights for those following these dietary practices.
Frosted Pop-Tarts
Pop-Tarts are delectable pastries that bring joy to everyone who indulges in them. Each bite of these delightful treats leaves a person feeling fantastic. The great thing is that Pop-Tarts come in various varieties to suit different preferences.
Unfortunately, there are certain types of food that may not be appropriate for vegetarians or vegans. For instance, frosted pop-tarts fall into this category as they contain gelatin, a protein derived from animal skin, tendons, and bones. This ingredient disqualifies them from being vegan-friendly, making them unsuitable for individuals following a plant-based diet.
Refried Beans
Beans are likely to be included on the lists of all vegetarians as a protein source. They are considered the most secure and organic option for obtaining protein, which is why it may be unexpected to find them on the list.
To clarify, only refried beans, not all types of beans, are the concern here. Refried beans, known for their delicious taste, are made using lard. The use of lard, which is basically pig fat, is the main issue. This specific ingredient in refried beans can be considered a mistake for vegetarians.
Protein Powder
Protein powder is an instance of mineral supplements that vegans and vegetarians utilize to ensure a balanced diet. Nevertheless, it is a common food error made by several individuals. Many protein powder brands are produced using bovine serum albumin.
This protein is extracted from cows. Instead of using this cow-derived protein, some people use L-cysteine, which is obtained from human hair or chicken feathers. It is recommended to choose a plant-based source of natural protein instead.
Bagels
Can you explain what a bread conditioner is? Essentially, it is a substance that is employed in commercial bread products to prolong their shelf life. Now, how does this relate to vegans and bagels? The connection is quite straightforward. The bagels in question contain L-cysteine, the same compound mentioned earlier.
Bagels often contain additives derived from human hair. This surprising fact categorizes processed bagels as non-vegan friendly, and may lead to a permanent farewell to bagels for those following a vegan diet.
Original Altoids
If you’re feeling confused, altoids can provide you with a minty solution. More specifically, they are mints meant to be enjoyed after a meal for enduring freshness. Interestingly, it has been discovered that one of the well-known brands that produces Altoids uses animal-based ingredients. In this case, the culprit is none other than the widely-used gelatin.
Most kinds of Altoids contain gelatin, but vegans and vegetarians can opt for the sugar-free smalls instead, as they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Surprisingly, one would assume that the original Altoids would not be suitable for vegans, but it appears to be a case of unexpected exceptions.
Gummy Bears
Gummy Bears, known for their soft and chewy consistency, have been providing assistance to people for centuries. Many individuals depend on their enjoyable texture to enhance their concentration and productivity while engaging in various tasks and responsibilities. Interestingly, this beloved texture is achieved by incorporating a specific amount of gelatin, the widely recognized and commonly used ingredient.
Candy corn is also implicated in this matter. It is advisable to opt for organic gummies that are compatible with a vegetarian lifestyle. Gummy bears are among the food options that are not suitable for vegans. Those who are found at fault for consuming these items might consider improving their selection.
Soft Drinks
Gelatin is commonly used as a stabilizer in the production of soft drinks, but there are various alternative methods employed as well. Therefore, it is possible that one’s preferred beverage may not necessarily contain gelatin.
It is worth inspecting regardless. Moreover, certain soft drink brands utilize cochineal for coloring purposes. Now, what could that possibly mean? Well, cochineal is an additive sourced from insects. There are plenty of recipes available for making vegetable-based beverages, one can easily search for them.
Pesto
There are various kinds of pesto that are not suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as they often contain Parmesan cheese. The common and traditional recipes of pesto are not appropriate for them.
Fortunately, certain brands simplify things for vegans by explicitly stating their ingredients. This information is usually clearly labeled on the packaging. However, if it is not indicated, it is advisable to verify beforehand to avoid any errors. Alternatively, there are various recipes available as alternatives to pesto.
Potato Chips
Some food mistakes by vegetarians are understandable. One tends to find animal products in the most surprising places. This is why it is important to be careful of what is consumed. Some have opted for homemade recipes to get by.
Expectedly, one would safely assume that potato chips are safe from the use of animal products. And it was at one point. But these days, animal products are being used for flavoring. Alternative options like homemade potato chips are there for one’s enjoyment.
Marshmallows
Marshmallows are known for their solid but soft consistency. This confectionery is the favorite for many and its colorful look and taste make it rightly so. However, one thing most people don’t know about marshmallows is the addition of gelatin.
In fact, that solid but soft consistency, or as some like to call it, the wobbly texture, is thanks to the gelatin in this product. Two options here. One could check the packets for veggie-friendly variations. The second option is going for traditional veggie mallows.
Red Candy
Red candies use natural red dye. These red dyes are pretty common. One would find them in yogurt, and fruit punch. Well, all these lovelies have one thing in common; carmine.
Carmine is just a pretty name used to describe crushed-up beetles that are boiled in ammonia or sodium carbonate to extract the red dye. This makes it unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. Just another food that is victim to the use of animal products. Now, one would need to look for alternatives.
Heart-Healthy Orange Juice
Orange juice!? Well, not just any variation of orange juice. However, there are some that are called “heart-healthy.” While they are healthy for some, they are not suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
This version contains Omega 3s. There are several other products that also have this fatty acid in them. It is derived from fish like anchovies, tilapia, and sardines. However, omega 3 fatty acids can be extracted from plant sources. So, it is important to note the source. Some brands are upfront about the source, some brands are not.
Hard Coated Candies
Different types of candies have been discussed on this list. Adding to that list are the hard-coated candies. There is an animal product found in hard-coated candies, it is known as shellac. Shellac is found in hairspray, furniture polish, and many agricultural fertilizers.
This product is a resin extracted from the female lac bug. It is also common in manicure products. Yes, the same product is used in hard-coated candles. There are some brands that do not use this derivative to coat candies. One can always check those out.
Salted Peanuts
Pig hooves are one of the major sources of gelatin. Other sources include bones and connective tissues. This gelatin is a common product in many foods.
It is also found in salted peanuts. Gelatin basically has two functions. One; help to salt the peanuts. Two; helps other spices stick to the peanuts. So, it is important in salted peanuts. It is hard to find other brands that are not using gelatin in production. A vegan who eats salted peanuts might want to make a change in diet.
BBQ Potato Chips
Many types of chips are out there for consumption. However, the barbecue flavor and many other types contain chicken fat. Sometimes, one would find “schmaltz” on the list of ingredients. They basically mean the same thing.
Some brands also use beef fat for barbecue potato chips. There are several other alternatives that are vegan-friendly. This is the one consolation for vegans who love potato chips. Brands like Lay’s and Fritos have packs that are free of animal products.
Jell-O
This is basically a brand popular known for the use of gelatin in their desserts. Other products by this brand also contain other animal products.
However, gelatin is their most-used product. Hardly would one find any product by this brand that does not contain gelatin. But if one is looking for a vegan-friendly version of these desserts, Lieber’s kosher brand is one popular brand that could serve as an alternative.
Worcestershire Sauce
This one is definitely unique. Not only is it hard to pronounce, but it also has a special ingredient in it. They are anchovies, which makes them unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. other products in this sauce include sugar which also contains bone char.
Considering all things involved, Worcestershire might be many folks’ favorite sauce in the world. But for vegans and vegetarians, it’s just another of those foods that one doesn’t eat. Guess this is the end of the journey of Worcestershire sauce for some.
Peeps
Common and popular during the holidays. Who doesn’t love a little bowl of peeps during Halloween? It is the piece of excellence for most tricks and treats. It is seen during the Easter period. In fact, it is most people’s fluffy Easter favorite.
Although it looks adorable and harmless, it is not a food that a vegetarian or vegan would want to be associated with. It is made with the popular and famous animal bone extract; gelatin. Yes, the same gelatin that has been mentioned times without number.
Cake Mix
Apparently, cake mix is also not suitable for vegans and vegetarians. it is quite interesting to find that cake mix also has lard as one of the dry ingredients of boxed cake mixes. Lard is rendered pig fat.
The good news is that for most cake mix the label contains “lard” as part of the ingredient. For those that doesn’t know the meaning of lard, now they do. Eating lard with cake mix is one of many food mistakes by vegetarians.
Pea Soup
Vegetable soup might be one of the most surprising additions on the list, or maybe it is not. But it is definitely not going to be the only soup on the list. Another soup to watch out for is the split pea soup. Looks all green and full of life but sometimes, it uses ham in its cooking process.
The tricky part is that ham is not included in the final product but it is definitely one of the recipes when preparing the soup. The good news is that there are a lot of soups and a lot of alternatives to these animal products if one is craving tasty soups.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Beavers use a fragrant that is brown slime to mark their territory. This fragrant is known as castoreum. Basically, it is beaver backside juice. What does this have to do with anything? It is the “natural flavor” used by some brands in the production of vanilla ice cream.
The worst part is that according to FDA rules, companies are not required to write castoreum under the list of ingredients. So, it is difficult to know which company is producing vegan-friendly vanilla ice creams. But some companies are producing vegan-approved ice creams. It’s good to stick to those.
Olive Tapenade
Tapenade is delicious and is a source of excitement and nourishment to many. However, for vegans and vegetarians that have something that makes it undesirable. In spite of all its goodness and glory, this beauty contains anchovies. These are small forage of fishes that taste salty.
This lovely spread condiment is not one for vegans. Admittedly, many have talked about their mistakes in regard to olive tapenade. They thought it was food for consumption. Now they know better.
Pasta Puttanesca
This pasta contains kalamata olives which is veggie-friendly. This simple fact makes people assume that it is suitable for consumption by vegans and vegetarians. However, there is more puttanesca than the healthy kalamata olives.
It also contains those little fishes that one tends to miss its presence every now and then. Yes, the small and tiny anchovies. Not them again! Well, they are. However, there are ways to pasta puttanesca without the little anchovies, it’s about checking out the vegan-friendly variations.
Mint Choc Mousse
Chocolate mousse is unique with its texture and creamy looks. It can be prepared in different ways in a bid to get that mousse texture that makes it lovely on the lips.
However, one of the methods used makes it unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians. In the setting process of the mousse, gelatin is used. This is common for most brands found at the supermarket. Double cream can create a moussey texture. There are some brands that produce veggie-friendly variations.
Non-Organic Bananas
A fruit on the list of food not for vegans? Well, who would have thought? To increase the shelf life of bananas, chitosan is sprayed on them during preservation. Chitosan is a bacteria-fighting compound taken from shrimp and crab shells.
The fact most people are not aware of is the fact that bananas tend to absorb this animal derivative during storage. However, non-organic bananas are safe for consumption. It has always been safe. Some companies do write, “this product may contain shellfish biproducts.” That makes it easier for vegans to know if it is suitable for consumption.
French Onion Soup
Here is another soup that one might want to avoid if one is a vegan or a vegetarian. They all sound exciting, safe and free of animal product, but that is just a name to lure unsuspecting vegans. But with careful observation and attention, one would learn to spot the problem with most of these soups.
For French onion soup, the animal product here is beef broth. The worst part is that finding a vegan-friendly version of French onion soup is difficult. One might have to prepare it at home.
Twinkies
Twinkies is a snack that gives one the needed strength and pleasure to continue one’s day. It is golden both in and out. One of its endearing qualities is the fact that this snack has a long shelf life. But this is not exactly endearing to all.
The shelf life is made using “tallow.” Tallow is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat. Yes, animal products in the mix. Kind of makes the heart sad. However, there are gluten-free versions of the snack. The one with tallow would be wrong for vegans.
Stuffing
This might seem obvious to many, but it is worth a mention. One would find it in many Thanksgiving dressing recipes, so at times one would wonder if it is really suitable for vegans or not. Well, it is not. The common ones usually have chicken broth in them.
Sausage, which is more obvious, is also added to stuffing every now and then. So if one is have a difficult time deciding if stuffing is one food they want to add to their vegan list, here is the needed help. Remove it totally from the list and off the mind.
Flavored Yogurts
This is one especially for vegetarians and pescatarians who use dairy products in their meal. Dairy products are one of the most common sources of protein. However, if a vegetarian is opting for flavored yogurts as one those sources or for preference reasons, then care is needed.
Most brands use gelatin to give yogurts a better texture. There is hope for yogurts lovers, some popular brands have stopped using gelatin, but care is needed. It is another one of many food mistakes by vegetarians.
Frosted Mini Wheats
They are available in many sizes and flavors which is why it is a delight for many both old and young. In fact, it is a favorite breakfast cereal of many. But vegans and vegetarians might want to change the breakfast menu.
Why is that so? Simple answer. Frosted mini wheats contain gelatin. Gelatin helps to keep the flavor and the taste glued to the cereal. And where there is gelatin, there is bone char present. Many do not know this and have made the mistake of consuming this meal for a while. Well, guess that is about to change.
Parmesan Cheese
Most people who know parmesan cheese loves the taste and refreshing looks that it serves will no doubt love to have more of it every once in a while.
However, there is one simple truth. Where there is parmesan cheese, there is rennet. And where there is rennet, there is bad news. Rennet is extracted from the lining of a goat’s or calf’s stomach. This is another food mistake made by vegetarians. There are other forms of cheese that do not make use of rennet.
Tortillas
There they are! Fresh looking and tasty goodness from one’s favorite Mexican restaurant. Before taking a mouthful of tortillas with one’s favorite drink, it is necessary to check the package carefully.
If one has ordered from the local Mexican restaurant, it is also important to ask the chef an important question. Does it contain lard? Yes, the derivative from pig; lard. Some do and some don’t. However, it is better to know and be sure before consumption.
Hostess Cupcakes
Everyone loves cupcakes, its yummy goodness, and excellent sense of satisfaction that leaves one coming for more. Well, no vegan or vegetarian would come for more after this.
This cupcake is full of chocolate and other ingredients that makes it endearing to many out there. However, it is also made from the rendering of pig fat. Yes, lard! It is definitely a common name on the list. Well, one just has to be careful and one is good to go.
Cornbread Mix
Cornbread, really? How did that happen? Well, all thanks to lard for getting one’s favorite breakfast on this list. They look all nice and good in the lovely packages of various brands.
However, to create a simple package of cornbread, some quantity of pig’s fat had been used in the processing. This is sad for many because they are surely delicious and look tasty. But it is another food that a vegan or a vegetarian would have crossed off their list. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it is necessary.
Premade Piecrust
Premade piecrust has a tender flaky finish that makes it a lifesaver to many out there. This flaky feature is perhaps what most people enjoy about this piecrust.
While that is a good thing for some, it might not be for vegans and vegetarians alike. The tender flaky taste is achieved using lard. Though not all the major brands use this method, most of them do. So, it is necessary to make sure of the product recipe before buying it the next time.
Pad Thai
It is definitely a choice for those who enjoy the ingenuity of Asian foods. Usually, Pad Thai contains chicken and most vegans definitely don’t order this food. But one has the option of ordering without chicken.
This is where the mistakes happen. Some vegans and vegetarians think that Pad Thai without chicken makes it suitable for consumption. Well, this is not the case, the meal still contains animal products. In this case, fish sauce is the one responsible.
Vitamins
Sometimes, people see gel caps and they assume that all is safe. News flash: all is not safe. Most gel capped vitamins are not suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
They think it is and go ahead with its consumption, however it is another one of those food mistakes. Here is the exclusive. These vitamins are made with animal gelatin. There are some vitamins that are made of agar which is plant based. One can always check those out.
White Sugar
Sugar when extracted from plants is usually brown. However, there are other types available for marketing demands. There is white sugar and of course, there is a less white version for vegans.
The white sugar variation is made whiter using bone char. Most times this is gotten from cow bone. This is one of those typical cases that is just impossible to suspect. No vegan would ever think cow bone is needed in whitening sugar, but it happens. It is another one of those food mistakes by vegetarians.
Baked Beans
Baked beans look like they are just beans with some little spices and recipes. Well, for some brands of baked beans, this is true. However, “some” means that there are brands of baked beans that are not suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
In fact, most popular brands do use animal products as part of the recipes in preparing this bowl of goodness. Some start with bacon or ham lock. Some even use both. So, one might need to check the package, find the brand that is vegan-friendly and stick to it.
Wine
Well, this is surprising. One would not, even in a thousand years, think of wine when listing food and drinks that makes use of animal products. But here we are. How did that happen?
Refining is one of the processes that makes wine what it is. During this process, some of the refining agents used include blood and bone marrow, casein; a milk protein, derivatives of egg whites, fish oil, and many others. While it makes the drink finer and smoother, it also makes it inappropriate for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Vegetable Soup
Ironic. Isn’t it? That a food named vegetable soup would be on the list of foods wrong for vegans and vegetarians. This is why it is always important to read the label. Some label will simple say ‘vegetable soup’ and one would safely assume that it is all leaves and love.
Well, sometimes, it is more than just love, there is beef or chicken stock included in the recipe. So, it goes beyond just simple assumption using the name. One has to check the ingredients to make sure there are no animal productsin it.
Medication
This might not count as food for many, but in some ways, it is worth mentioning. The fact many consume medications without the assumption that it is safe and vegan friendly should be noted. One secret ingredient in many medications is fish oil.
They are used during processing. This is why some medication might not be suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Considering that most vegans use medication as a supplement is enough reason to check.
Beer
Seeing that wine made the list, one would certainly wonder if beer is another food on the list. Yes, it is. However, the use of animal products in refining beer is not as common as in wines. In fact, most of the popular brands are vegan in processing and production.
It is important to note that it is possible that one’s favorite beer is one of those that use products such as gelatin and isinglass as part of the refining process. If it is, one might need to make a change because such would be wrong for vegans.
Caesar Salad
It looks green with a lot of goodness in it. The word “salad” would normally convince a vegan that it is safe to go ahead and taste the goodness that it offers. Well, not so fast. It is all the fault of tradition in this case, so can hardly blame anyone.
The secret with traditional Caesar salad has small dressings of anchovies in it. Some vegans didn’t even notice this intruder until they were introduced to its presence. It is just another one of those simple food mistakes made by vegetarians. It’s never too late to make a change.
McDonald’s Fries
There is a crispy taste and feature that comes with this bunch of goodness. It makes us all want to have a taste. But is it a food for all?
Well, certainly not. It is one of the easiest choices on the fast-food list for some vegans and vegetarians. However, there is a problem. McDonald’s fries are made with “natural beef flavor” otherwise known as “beef tallow.” Many vegans and vegetarians do not know these fries are wrong for vegans.
