When you’re dining out as a vegan or vegetarian, it can be challenging to know which dishes are truly free of animal products. Many menus list ingredients, but they don’t always highlight hidden animal derivatives that might be present in your meal.
Knowing how to spot these hidden ingredients can help you stay true to your dietary choices.
Understanding how to read menus critically can make your dining experience much more enjoyable and worry-free. With a little practice, you can confidently select dishes that align with your lifestyle.
This guide aims to make that process simpler for you.
1) Check for ‘Natural Flavors’—may contain animal derivatives
When checking menus, be careful with items that list “natural flavors.” This can be tricky because these flavors often come from many sources, including both plants and animals.
Restaurants aren’t always required to tell you the exact source of these flavors. It means that even a dish labeled as vegan might contain animal-derived ingredients.
When in doubt, ask your server for more details or see if the chef can provide information about the ingredients.
It’s always better to be safe, especially if you’re sticking to a vegan diet.
If you don’t get a clear answer, it may be best to choose another dish.
2) Look for ‘Gelatin’ in Desserts and Sweets
When reading menus for desserts and sweets, it’s important to keep an eye out for the ingredient “gelatin.” Gelatin is often used as a thickening agent in treats like gummies, marshmallows, and jelly-based desserts.
You might wonder why gelatin is such a common ingredient. It’s because it gives many sweets a unique texture and helps them hold their shape. Unfortunately, gelatin is typically made from animal collagen, making it unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Explore alternatives if you have dietary restrictions. Some sweets use plant-based options like agar-agar or pectin. These are suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
When dining out, don’t be shy about asking your server whether a dessert contains gelatin.
3) Watch out for ‘Casein’ in non-dairy products
When you’re on the lookout for non-dairy options, keep an eye on labels for the word “casein.” This ingredient is a milk protein sometimes found in foods that might seem dairy-free at first glance.
Casein can show up in processed foods, snacks, and even some drinks labeled as non-dairy. It might be listed under different names like “milk protein” or “caseinates.”
It’s important to read ingredient lists carefully to ensure the product truly fits your dietary needs.
Even some “non-dairy” cheese alternatives can contain casein. These products often use casein to mimic the texture and flavor of regular cheese.
4) Be cautious of ‘L-cysteine’ in bread and dough
When reading bread and dough labels, watch out for an ingredient called L-cysteine. It’s a dough conditioner that helps make the dough soft and easy to handle. Sounds harmless, right? But here’s where it gets interesting.
L-cysteine is sometimes sourced from animal products, like duck feathers and even human hair. Some popular bread brands, such as Wonder Bread, use L-cysteine derived from these sources.
While some might find this off-putting, others may seek vegetarian or vegan options.
If you’re looking to avoid animal-derived ingredients, check labels for L-cysteine. Some manufacturers now offer it from synthetic or plant-based sources. These options are better if you’re sticking to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
If you enjoy baking, making your own bread could be a good alternative. This way, you know exactly what’s going into your loaf!
5) Identify ‘Carmine’ or ‘Cochineal’ in Red-Colored Items
When reading menus, look closely at ingredients in red-colored items. Carmine, also known as cochineal extract, is a red dye used in many foods. You might find it in red velvet cake, candies, and ice cream. This colorant is made from the cochineal insect.
Always check ingredient labels if available. Restaurants may list “carmine,” “cochineal extract,” or use terms like “E120” or “natural red 4.” Be cautious with red or pink beverages, like strawberry drinks, which can contain these dyes.
If you’re ever unsure, asking the staff can help. They might provide more details about the ingredients used in their dishes.
6) Spot ‘Anchovies’ in Caesar Dressings and Sauces
When scanning menus or labels for hidden animal products, keep an eye out for anchovies in Caesar dressings and sauces. Anchovies are a key ingredient in traditional Caesar dressing, offering a distinct umami flavor. This makes it crucial for those avoiding fish to recognize their presence.
Anchovies can appear directly in the ingredient list or hidden within ingredients like Worcestershire sauce. The original Caesar salad recipe often included anchovies, which you can read about in more detail on the history of Caesar dressing.
If you’re looking for alternatives, choose dressings specifically labeled as anchovy-free, which are available on the market. Brands like BRIANNAS offer options without them, as noted in the list of dressings without anchovies. Always inspect labels meticulously to ensure that no anchovies are included.
7) Notice ‘Rennet’ in Certain Cheeses
When checking cheese options on a menu, you might notice the word “rennet.” This is important if you’re avoiding animal products. Rennet is used to coagulate milk into cheese, but it can come from animal sources like the stomach lining of calves, making it unsuitable for vegetarians.
Some cheeses, especially traditional ones like Parmesan, Gorgonzola, and some Cheddars, often use animal rennet. It’s a good idea to ask for more details or check the menu for notes about rennet sources.
Thankfully, many producers are switching to alternatives. Vegetarians can look for cheeses made with microbial or vegetable rennet, like those derived from plants or fungi.
When dining out, you can politely ask your server about the type of rennet used. Some places might even offer a list of cheeses that are made without animal rennet.
8) Mind the ‘Albumin’ in Some Wines
When you’re choosing a wine, it’s important to look out for albumin. Albumin is an ingredient derived from egg whites. It’s used in the wine-making process to help clarify the wine and remove unwanted particles. This might be surprising to those who assume wine is always free from animal products.
If you’re vegan or have dietary restrictions, albumin is something to be aware of. Some wines won’t list this ingredient visibly on the label, so you might need to do a bit of research.
Checking with the winery or looking for wines labeled as vegan-friendly can be helpful.
9) Watch for ‘Shellac’ on Glossy Candies and Fruits
When browsing candy and fruit sections, it’s essential to pay attention to ingredients like shellac. This food-grade resin is derived from lac insects and is often used as a glazing agent. It gives candies and fruits a shiny appearance.
You might notice this glossy coating on chocolates, jelly beans, and even some fruits. Shellac helps preserve these products by creating a barrier, keeping moisture out and extending shelf life. If you’re aiming to avoid animal products, being aware of shellac is important.
Seeing “confectioner’s glaze” on labels is another hint that shellac might be present. This common term often refers to coatings made from shellac. Understanding labeling practices can help ensure that your snack choices align with dietary preferences. For more details on shellac’s use in foods, you can see this article.
10) Identify ‘Isinglass’ in Clarified Beers
When you check out a beer menu, it’s important to know about isinglass. Isinglass is a fining agent made from fish bladders. It’s often used to make beers clear. This means some beers aren’t vegan-friendly.
Many beers that use isinglass don’t list it on their labels. Instead, they might just mention “clarified” or “fined” using traditional methods. This can make it hard to spot without asking questions.
If you’re at a brewery or pub, don’t hesitate to ask the staff about their clarification process. They might know if isinglass is used. Some breweries are moving to alternative methods, so there might be vegan-friendly options.
You can also look for vegan-friendly labels on bottled beers. This helps you avoid any animal-derived products. Some online resources track which beers use isinglass, helping you choose wisely.