Read the labels: Hidden Animal By-Products
Julie Green and Keen
4/16/2015
21
It is easy to avoid the obvious products that are not
vegetarian, but there is a grey zone where it is necessary to understand what
an ingredient is and how it is made. I
have learned through the years that it is not always safe to assume that
certain processed foods are vegetarian. More
often than not, labels can be misleading and sneak meat-based ingredients into
products you would never think to look for.
It is important to read and understand the labels about what
ingredients are made from animal products.
The good thing is, after figuring out what products are not vegetarian,
it is easier to find product alternatives that are.
This list I compiled contains products that MAY have animal by-products. It is dependent on the brand and what kind or
flavor it is. This list is here to help
make you more aware and read the labels of these products closer.
·
Vanilla
Ice Cream may contain castoreum, secretions from beaver’s anal glands, as a
“natural flavor.”
·
Orange
juices can contain fish oil and sheep’s wool.
·
Some salted
peanuts use gelatin as an adhesive to help the salt and other spices stick
on to them.
·
It is common for beef fat to be present in boxed cake mixes.
·
Everyone’s favorite Easter snack, peeps, is made with gelatin.
·
Some bagels
and other bread products have L. Cysteine, which is found in bird feathers
and human hair.
·
Potato
chips have been known to be produced using chicken fat. It is commonly used in the BBQ flavored
potato chips.
·
Boxed mac
and cheese might have rennet, an enzyme in mammal’s stomach, in it.
·
Wines
can be made with gelatin, isinglass, or chitin while being processed.
·
Frosted
Mini Wheat’s contain gelatin as well.
·
Some canned
vegetable soups are made with beef stock.
·
Vitamin
supplements often contain animal bi-products, especially in the capsules or
casing they are in.
It is very important to stay educated on changing
ingredients and processing protocols. If
there are any products I missed of have any questions, I would love to hear
from you!
Go Green and Stay Keen,
Julie