Top 10 Sneaky Non-Vegan Foods That Might Fool You

Just because something seems plant-based doesn’t mean it is. Many foods contain hidden animal-derived ingredients, making them a minefield for vegans. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 seemingly vegan foods that often aren’t, along with alternatives to keep your diet truly cruelty-free.

1. Beer & Wine

Why It’s Not Vegan: Many alcoholic beverages are clarified using isinglass (fish bladder), gelatin, egg whites, or casein (milk protein).
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Look for barnivore.com-approved brands like Guinness (now vegan), Sierra Nevada, or Frey Vineyards.

2. White Sugar

Why It’s Not Vegan: Some sugar is processed with bone char (from cattle bones) to achieve its bright white color.
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Choose organic sugar, coconut sugar, or beet sugar (which doesn’t use bone char).

3. Red Candies & Some Processed Foods (e.g., Skittles, Starburst)

Why It’s Not Vegan: Many contain carmine (E120), a red dye made from crushed cochineal beetles.
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Brands like Sour Patch Kids, Smarties (US), and Unreal use plant-based dyes.

4. Worcestershire Sauce

Why It’s Not Vegan: Traditional versions contain anchovies.
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Annie’s, The Wizard’s, or homemade versions with tamari + liquid smoke.

5. Non-Dairy Creamers (e.g., Coffee-mate Original)

Why It’s Not Vegan: Many contain sodium caseinate (a milk derivative).
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Oatly, Califia Farms, or Silk creamers.

6. Packaged Bread & Bagels

Why It’s Not Vegan: Some contain L-cysteine (E920), an amino acid often derived from duck feathers or human hair.
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Ezekiel Bread, Dave’s Killer Bread, or local sourdough (check labels).

7. Gummy Candies & Marshmallows

Why It’s Not Vegan: Most contain gelatin (from boiled animal bones & cartilage).
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Dandies Marshmallows, Surf Sweets gummies, or Swedish Fish.

8. Parmesan Cheese (Even Some “Plant-Based” Versions!)

Why It’s Not Vegan: Some brands sneak in animal rennet or casein.
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Violife, Follow Your Heart, or homemade cashew parm.

9. Certain Breakfast Cereals (e.g., Frosted Mini-Wheats, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran)

Why It’s Not Vegan: Some contain vitamin D3 (from lanolin, sheep’s wool) or honey.
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Cheerios, Barbara’s Shredded Wheat, or Nature’s Path.

10. Pre-Made Pie Crusts & Pastry Dough

Why It’s Not Vegan: Often made with lard or butter.
✅ Vegan Alternatives: Wholly Wholesome, Trader Joe’s frozen pie crusts, or homemade with coconut oil.

How to Avoid Hidden Animal Ingredients

• Check labels for:
  • E120 (carmine), E441 (gelatin), E542 (bone phosphate), E901 (beeswax), E904 (shellac).
• Use vegan certification apps like Bunny Free, Is It Vegan?, or HappyCow.
• When in doubt, contact the manufacturer.

Final Thought

Veganism isn’t about perfection—it’s about making conscious choices. By learning these sneaky non-vegan ingredients, you can navigate grocery stores and restaurants with confidence.

Have you been fooled by any of these? Let me know in the comments!

Sources & Further Reading:

1. Bone char in sugar – PETA
2. Alcohol clarification agents – Barnivore
3. Food additives (E-numbers) – The Vegan Society
4. Gelatin & candy alternatives – PETA’s Accidentally Vegan List
5. Vitamin D3 sources – NutritionFacts.org

Happy Shopping! 🌱

Alert: “Burn” fat with this ingredient