Hidden animal ingredients

Hidden animal ingredients are substances derived from animals that appear in foods, drinks, supplements, cosmetics and other products, often under technical or unfamiliar names. For people following veganism, recognising these ingredients is an important part of reading labels. Some are listed as ingredients; others are processing aids that may not appear on the label at all.

Dairy-derived ingredients

• Casein and caseinates (for example sodium caseinate) – milk proteins used in processed foods, some “non-dairy” creamers and some cheese alternatives that are not vegan.
• Whey – a by-product of cheese-making, used in baked goods, crisps, chocolate and protein powders.
• Lactose – milk sugar, used as a filler in tablets and medicines and in processed foods.
• Milk solids, milk powder and butterfat – common in chocolate, biscuits and sauces.

Gelatin and other connective tissue products

Gelatin is made by boiling the skin, bones and connective tissue of animals, usually pigs or cattle. It is used in sweets, marshmallows, jellies, some yoghurts and desserts, and capsule shells for supplements. Collagen, also from animal tissues, is used in supplements and cosmetics. Vegan alternatives include agar-agar (from seaweed), pectin and carrageenan.

Insect-derived ingredients

• Carmine (E120), also called cochineal or carminic acid, is a red colouring made from crushed cochineal insects. It is used in sweets, drinks, yoghurts and cosmetics.
• Shellac (E904) is a resin secreted by the lac insect, used as a glaze on sweets, chocolate-coated products, some fruit and pills.
• Beeswax (E901) is used as a glazing agent and in cosmetics.
• Honey is not considered vegan by The Vegan Society and most vegans.

Processing aids

• Isinglass is a form of collagen obtained from fish swim bladders. It has traditionally been used to clarify (fine) beer and wine. Because processing aids are generally not required to be listed on drink labels, it is often hard to tell whether a drink is vegan without checking with the producer (see vegan wine and beer). Egg white (albumin), gelatin and casein are also used as fining agents.
• Bone char is charred animal bone used in some sugar refineries, particularly in the United States, to decolourise and filter cane sugar. The bone char does not remain in the sugar, but many vegans avoid sugar processed this way. Beet sugar is not processed with bone char, and organic and certified vegan sugars avoid it.

Additives of animal origin

• L-cysteine (E920) is an amino acid used as a flour treatment agent in some bread and baked goods. It can be produced from feathers, animal hair or hog bristles, but can also be made synthetically or by microbial fermentation.
• Lanolin (E913) is a grease from sheep’s wool, used in cosmetics, lip balms and as a source material for vitamin D3.
• Vitamin D3 in supplements and fortified foods is usually made from lanolin. Vegan D3 from lichen exists (see vitamin D).
• Omega-3 fatty acids added to foods are often derived from fish oil.

E-number table

The following E numbers are always or sometimes of animal origin. “Sometimes” means the additive can also be made from plant, synthetic or microbial sources, so the product or manufacturer should be checked.

Gelatin is not classified as an additive with an E number in the European Union, so it appears on labels by name.

Non-food products

Animal-derived ingredients also appear in non-food products. Examples include lanolin, beeswax, carmine and keratin in cosmetics; squalene, which may come from shark liver oil or from plants such as olives; gelatin in some photographic film and capsules; and animal-based glues. See cruelty-free cosmetics and vegan fashion.

Identifying vegan products

1. Read ingredient lists and allergen information; milk and egg are major allergens and are emphasised on labels in many countries.
2. Look for vegan certification, such as The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark (see vegan certifications and labels).
3. Contact manufacturers about ambiguous additives and processing aids.
4. Use reference resources, such as the vegan glossary.

Note that “vegetarian”, “plant-based” and “dairy-free” labels do not always mean a product is vegan (see plant-based vs vegan).

See also

• Vegan Certifications and Labels
• Vegan Wine and Beer
• Cruelty-Free Cosmetics