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For those adhering to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, certain foods may unexpectedly contain animal-derived components. Navigating dietary choices requires vigilance as items such as sugar, wine and even corn tortillas can harbor non-vegetarian or non-vegan ingredients. Being a devoted label reader is crucial for individuals seeking to maintain their vegetarian or vegan principles, as some seemingly plant-based products may have hidden animal elements.
Here are 10 foods that may surprisingly not always be vegetarian or vegan:
Cheese
While often perceived as vegetarian-friendly, cheese is frequently cited as a potential issue, particularly Parmigiano-Reggiano. However, this Italian hard cheese is not the sole concern for vegetarians.
According to cheese expert Emily Monaco, “The common non-vegetarian aspect in cheese is rennet, an enzyme crucial for milk coagulation during cheesemaking.” She elaborates, “Traditional rennet is sourced from animal stomachs, specifically calves, kids, or lambs. While plant-based or microbial enzymes are available as alternatives, numerous cheeses, especially in regions like France and across Europe, still rely on animal rennet.”
To ensure vegetarian compliance, meticulous review of ingredient lists or inquiries to cheesemongers are advised. Labels indicating “vegetarian rennet,” “microbial rennet,” or “thistle rennet” signify vegetarian-suitable options. Coagulants such as lemon juice, acid, or vinegar also denote vegetarian cheeses. Conversely, simply “rennet” typically indicates animal-derived rennet.
White or Processed Sugar
Even fundamental ingredients like sugar can present challenges for vegetarians and vegans. Certain types of white sugar undergo processing involving bone char, a material derived from charred animal bones. Chef Maricel Gentile, owner of Maricel’s Kitchen, explains, “Bone char acts as a decolorizing filter, whitening the sugar.”
It’s important to note this process is not universal. Gentile clarifies, “Not all white sugar is refined using bone char. Some methods employ carbon filtration instead. To avoid bone char-processed sugar, examine labels for specific mentions, or opt for organic or beet sugar, which generally do not utilize this technique.”
Wine
The presence of vegan wine labels may prompt questions about conventional wine production. Surprisingly, not all wine is inherently vegan. Wine journalist Vicki Denig clarifies, “Certain producers utilize animal-derived agents during the ‘fining’ process—a clarification method.”
Depending on the fining method, many wines remain vegetarian, but not all are vegan. Denig details, “Fining agents bind to and eliminate unwanted sediments before being filtered out. These agents can include egg whites, casein (milk protein), gelatin (animal collagen), and isinglass, a fish-derived gelatin.”
For definitive assurance of vegan wine, seek out explicitly labeled bottles. Absent mandatory ingredient labeling for wine, researching producer websites may be necessary to ascertain vegan status.
Tortillas
While grocery store tortillas are generally vegetarian-safe, dining out at Mexican restaurants requires caution. A foundational component in Mexican cuisine, tortillas, particularly flour tortillas, are not always vegetarian. Chef Wes Avila of MXO in Los Angeles points out, “Traditional Mexican tortillas, especially flour versions, often incorporate lard—rendered animal fat—for enhanced flavor and texture.” Lard usage varies regionally.
Avila notes, “Mass-produced grocery store tortillas typically use vegetable oils or no fats to accommodate broader dietary preferences, including vegetarians and vegans. Always scrutinize ingredient lists to confirm tortilla type, especially when seeking vegetarian or vegan options.”
Refried Beans
Beyond overtly meaty bean preparations, refried beans, another Mexican cuisine staple, can unexpectedly contain animal products. Cookbook author Kristyn Merkley explains, “Traditional Mexican refried beans frequently incorporate lard.” When purchasing packaged refried beans, review labels. When dining out, proactively inquire about ingredients.
Many chefs adapt refried bean recipes to cater to vegetarian diners. Merkley suggests, “Vegetable shortening or vegetable oil serve as viable vegetarian substitutes for lard in home recipes. Plant-based milk or cheese can further create a completely vegan dish.”
Pie Crust
Dessert menus may also harbor hidden animal products. Pie crust, prized for its flaky texture, often traditionally includes lard. Chef Gentile notes, “Lard contributes to a beautifully flaky pie crust.” Despite its animal origin, lard’s neutral flavor profile makes it undetectable in comparison to pie crusts using alternative fats.
However, lard is not universally used in restaurants, bakeries, or pre-made grocery store crusts. Gentile clarifies alternatives: “Some use butter, while others employ shortening. When not preparing crust yourself, verify ingredients on labels or consult with your baker.”
Caesar Dressing
The distinctive richness of Caesar dressing arises from a potentially non-vegetarian ingredient. While cheese might be considered a key component, the depth of Caesar dressing extends beyond dairy. Traditional recipes often include anchovies, which may be overlooked on ingredient lists.
Chef Dennis Littley of Ask Chef Dennis explains, “Caesar dressing surprises many vegetarians due to its anchovy content. Though seemingly a creamy parmesan, garlic, and lemon dressing, authentic recipes rely on anchovies for a pronounced umami flavor.”
Worcestershire Sauce
A common refrigerator condiment, Worcestershire sauce, can also be a source of hidden anchovies. (Though visible to diligent label readers.) Rena Awada, owner of Healthy Fitness Meals, observes, “Many are unaware Worcestershire sauce typically contains anchovies, as it imparts savory depth without overtly tasting fishy.”
She elaborates, “The subtle fish flavor often leads to overlooking anchovies until ingredient lists are scrutinized, revealing its non-vegetarian nature.” Worcestershire sauce commonly appears in other products like salad dressings, steak sauce, barbecue sauce, and marinades, where its complex flavor profile obscures the potential presence of seafood.
Gelatin
Gelatin itself is widely recognized as an animal byproduct. Gentile elaborates, “Gelatin derives from collagen found in animal cartilage, bones, and skin, typically cows and pigs. Simmering these components breaks down collagen into gelatin.”
Strict vegetarians must be mindful of gelatin beyond obvious items like Jell-O. Gentile points out, “Marshmallows, gummy candies, and fruit snacks are commonly associated with gelatin, but it also appears in yogurt, ice cream, sour cream, and cream cheese as a stabilizer. ‘Diet,’ ‘light,’ and ‘low-fat’ foods often incorporate gelatin to compensate for reduced natural fat binders.” Even some vitamin capsule coatings may contain gelatin.
Vegetable Soup
Seemingly innocuous, vegetable soup can harbor hidden animal products. Many soups utilize animal-based stocks like beef or chicken for enhanced flavor. Even cream-based vegetable soups like cream of broccoli, mushroom, or carrot may contain meaty broths.
Even seemingly vegetarian-safe tomato-based vegetable soup can rely on animal stock. While numerous brands offer vegetarian or vegan vegetable soup, label verification remains essential for all soup varieties.