Check Labels!
You need to carefully read labels when buying vegetarian foods. Many animal ingredients are hidden by unusual names or number codes. An “Additive Code Breaker” is ideal for understanding the code numbers. Write to the manufacturer and ask them about any ingredients you suspect. Some tips:
Ingredients
Anchovies – a type of fish
Collagen – connective tissue from meat
Animal fats and fish
Marine oils – from fish
Gelatin – from bones
Whey- from milk
Fatty acids – may be animal derived
Glycerine – may be animal derived
Lecithin – usually soya, can be from eggs
“Flavour” & “Natural Flavour” – may be animal origin
Products
Biscuits – may have animal fats
Breads – most emulsifiers are animal based (eg. 471 fatty acids, 481 stearic acid from milk)
Cakes – check with the baker
Margarine – often has milk, whey, or animal fat
Pasta – find an egg free variety
Pastries – often use animal fats
Sweets – many contain gelatin
Vegie burgers etc – some contain milk / egg products
Yoghurt – can contain gelatin
