Unveiling 11 Surprising Non-Vegan Ingredients Hiding in Your Food
Ready to uncover some of the lesser-known non-vegan ingredients that may be lurking in your favorite snacks and meals? Whether you’re a full-fledged vegan, thinking about making the switch, or just love learning about what goes into your food, you’re in for a treat.
In this NB, we reveal 11 surprising hidden animal ingredients in food that might not scream “animal-derived food additives” but definitely fall into that category. We’ll dive into what these ingredients are commonly used for, where they come from, and any sneaky alternative names they might go by.
1. Carmine (Also known as Cochineal Extract or Natural Red 4)
Common Uses: So, you know that lovely red color in your strawberry yogurt or your fruit-flavored candies? Well, that might be carmine. It’s a red food dye that’s used to make all things red and pink.
Source: Here’s the surprising part – carmine is derived from crushing tiny female cochineal insects, which hang out on cactus plants. You might also see it listed as cochineal extract or Natural Red 4 on labels.
2. Isinglass
Common Uses: Love your beer and wine? Isinglass might be the secret behind their clarity. It’s used in some alcoholic beverages to help clarify them.
Source: Isinglass comes from the dried swim bladders of fish, such as sturgeon. It’s like fishy magic for your drink!
3. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Common Uses: PEA is not a common food additive or ingredient in everyday food products. It is primarily used in dietary supplements and certain skincare products due to its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Source: PEA is a bit tricky – it can be synthesized from palm oil, which comes from oil palm trees. So, not animal-derived, but it’s still important to know where it comes from. However, you’d need to ask the manufacturer to know for sure.
4. Confectioner’s Glaze (Also known as Shellac)
Common Uses: Ever wondered what makes your candies look so shiny? That’s confectioner’s glaze. It’s used to give candies, fruits, and even some medicines that glossy finish.
Source: Confectioner’s glaze, or shellac, is not a vegan friend. It’s made from the resin secreted by the lac bug. You might also spot it under names like food glaze or resinous glaze.
5. L-Cysteine
Common Uses: L-Cysteine is like a hidden hero in your bread and baked goods. It’s used to improve texture and make your favorites last longer.
Source: Here’s the twist – L-Cysteine can come from various sources, including human hair, duck feathers, and even hog hair. If you’re keeping it vegan, look for the synthetic stuff.
Synthetic L-Cysteine is often referred to as “L-Cysteine Hydrochloride” or simply “Cysteine Hydrochloride.” Synthetic L-Cysteine serves a similar purpose as its naturally derived counterparts but is typically considered vegan-friendly
6. Guanine
Common Uses: Guanine adds shimmer and shine to cosmetics and some food products. You know that pearly effect you see in some eyeshadows and lip glosses? Guanine!
Source: Guanine isn’t commonly used in food, but it’s worth mentioning. It’s derived from fish scales, which is quite the surprise.
7. Capric Acid
Common Uses: Capric acid might not be a household name, but it’s used as a flavoring agent in some foods. It adds a little zing to certain dishes.
Source: Capric acid can come from animal fats, including goat’s milk. It’s not super common, but when you see it, it’s good to be aware.
8. Pepsin
Common Uses: Pepsin is like a food detective; it helps break down proteins. It’s used as a food additive to aid in digestion.
Source: Back in the day, pepsin was sourced from pig stomachs. But these days, most pepsin used in food is produced using fancy microbial fermentation methods, making it more vegan-friendly.
9. Cholic Acid
Common Uses: Cholic acid is an essential component in bile and is used in some pharmaceuticals.
Source: Cholic acid can come from the bile of cows and other animals. While it’s not widely used in food, it’s still good to know about.
10. Disodium 5-Ribonucleotides
Common Uses: Disodium 5-ribonucleotides might sound like a mouthful, but they’re all about boosting the savory flavors in your snacks and processed foods. Think potato chips and instant noodles.
Source: They’re often derived from yeast extracts, which can sometimes include non-vegan sources. Keep an eye out for these in your snack aisle adventures.
11. Inosinic Acid
Common Uses: Inosinic acid is another flavor enhancer, and it works its magic in processed foods to amp up those savory tastes.
Source: Like disodium 5-ribonucleotides, inosinic acid often comes from yeast extracts, which may include non-vegan sources. So, it’s worth checking the labels.
Knowing about these hidden non-vegan ingredients empowers you to make more informed choices when it comes to your diet. So, whether you’re a committed vegan, exploring plant-based options, or just love knowing what’s in your food, you’re now equipped with some intriguing knowledge about these surprising animal-derived additives hiding in your favorite eats. Happy eating!
