Food labels can be deceptive and misleading. Very often, vegetarian foods are laced with animal products and terms that can fool the consumer. The following lists of terms, ingredients, and foods will help you make  more discerning choices.

Animal fat – is carcass fat not milk fat

Cochineal (E120) - Red food colouring, often found in sweets, cakes and confectionery - made from crushed insects.

Edible Fats can mean animal fats.

Emulsifiers (and fatty acids) – may contain animal fat

Gelatin – made by boiling animal ligaments, skins, tendons, and animal bones. Often found in ice cream, sweets, desserts and yoghurts.

Glycerine - Can be produced from animal fats. Found in many products, from toothpaste to chewing gum.

Isinglass - A refining agent derived from the swim bladders of certain tropical fish. Non-dairy fat may be animal fat.

Pepsin Enzyme - derived from a pig's stomach

Suet – made from internal organs of animals.

Tallow - An animal fat

Aspic -Savoury jelly, meat or fish in origin

Beer (and Wines) - Might have been refined or 'cleared' using

Isinglass, made from the swim bladders of fish. Spirits are

generally OK for veggies

Biscuits & cookies – may contain animal fats

Bread – may contain animal fats. Check the label for details.

Capsules – the shell of the antibiotic capsule may be made of gelatin.

Cheese – may contain animal rennet.

Chewing gum - often contains glycerine, which may be derived from animal fats.

Chips & French Fries – may be fried in animal fat and flavoured with ‘Natural flavours’ that could be derived from beef, bacon etc.

Chocolates – may contain animal fats.

Ice cream – may contain eggs, animal fats and gelatin.

Jelly – invariably made from animal gelatin.

Margarine – may contain gelatin, fish oils or animal fats.

Pasta – may contain eggs

Postage stamps – the sticky side may contain animal products – but we are told it is safe to lick them in the UK – they are vegetarian-friendly.

Soaps – may be made from animal oils/glycerine. Vegetable-oil based soaps are available.

Soup – may be prepared using beef/chicken stock.

Wine - May have been refined using isinglass, dried blood, egg albumen, or gelatin.  Non vintage port is refined with gelatin. Spirits are a safer alternative for vegetarians. Enjoy your gin and tonic!

Worcestershire sauce - Leading brands contain anchovies (little dead fish). Watch out 'Bloody Mary' drinkers! Vegetarian versions of Worcestershire sauce are available.

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Vegetarianism - demystified

Vegetarianism vs Meat-foods - facts & global cost

Vegetarian Food sources for nutrients 

The Red List - of ingredients & foods that carry meat/animal sources

Vegetarian icons

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