How to read labels and avoid hidden animal ingredients | Vegan Guide
Learn to identify hidden animal ingredients in food and cosmetics. Read labels like a pro and choose truly vegan products!
Do you want to live truly vegan but are unsure how to spot hidden animal ingredients in food and cosmetics? Learn to read labels like a pro and avoid unexpected animal ingredients. In this article, we'll show you practical tips on how to choose truly vegan products and why thorough label reading is key for every vegan.
Why it's important to read labels and avoid hidden animal ingredients
Reading labels is a key skill for anyone who wants to live a truly vegan lifestyle. At first glance, it may seem that products labelled 'natural', 'organic' or even 'vegetarian' are automatically suitable for vegans, but the reality is often different. Many products contain ingredients of animal origin that are not obvious at first glance, and identifying them requires careful research.
One of the main reasons why it is important to read labels is that some animal ingredients are hidden under names that do not mean anything to the average consumer. For example, ingredients such as carmine (a red dye derived from insects) or shellac (used as a coating) can easily be overlooked. These substances are often found in food, cosmetics or even medicines, which can be a problem for vegans.
Another reason is that reading labels consistently helps not only to comply with ethical principles, but also to protect health. Some animal ingredients, such as gelatin or casein, may be linked to allergies or health problems.
For vegans trying to eat a balanced and healthy diet, it is therefore important to know exactly what they are consuming.
In addition, reading labels promotes awareness and responsibility. When you master this skill, you gain more control over what you buy and consume.
This allows you to better support brands and producers who share your values and avoid those who use animal ingredients or unethical practices.
Last but not least, it is important to remember that reading labels is not just about food. Animal ingredients can also appear in cosmetics, cleaning products or even clothing. Therefore, consistency in this area is key to living up to your vegan values and contributing to a more sustainable and ethical world.
Practical tips for reading labels and identifying hidden animal ingredients
Tip 1 - Get to know the most common animal ingredients
One of the first steps to reading labels effectively is to learn to recognize the most common animal ingredients. These ingredients are often found in foods, cosmetics or drugstores, and their names can be confusing.
For example, gelatin, which is extracted from the bones and skin of animals, is commonly used in jellies, candies or some yogurts.
Casein and whey, both components of milk, are often found in cheese, protein bars or even some baked goods.
Other ingredients such as carmine (a red dye from insects), lanolin (derived from sheep's wool) or shellac (a coating from insects) are often found in cosmetics, painted surfaces or sweets.
Glycerin, which can be of plant or animal origin, is found in soaps, creams or toothpastes. Learn these names and their origins so you can better identify products that match your values.
Tip 2 - Beware of E's and lesser known names
E's are often a source of confusion because their origin is not always clear.
For example, E120 (carmine) comes from insects, while E441 (gelatine) is of animal origin.
On the other hand, some E's, such as E322 (lecithin), can be of both plant and animal origin. It is therefore important to verify their origin, especially if no further details are given on the packaging.
Less well-known names such as pepsin (an enzyme from pig stomachs) or collagen (derived from animal skin and bones) may appear in food, cosmetics or even dietary supplements.
If you're not sure if an ingredient is vegan, look it up in online databases or contact the manufacturer.
Tip 3 - Use apps and online databases
Modern technology can make your life much easier. There are a number of apps that can help you check the ingredients of products.
For example, Is It Vegan?, CodeCheck or Vegan Scanner allow you to scan barcodes and instantly see if a product is vegan.
These tools are a great help, especially if you are shopping in a hurry or encounter unfamiliar products.
Online databases, such as the Vegan Society's Animal Ingredient List, can give you detailed information on ingredients you should be looking out for.
These resources are invaluable if you want to make sure your choices match your values.
Tip 4 - Communicate with manufacturers
Do not be afraid to contact the manufacturer and ask about the origin of the ingredients. Many companies have customer support that can provide you with detailed information about the ingredients in their products.
For example, if you come across an ingredient that may be of both plant and animal origin, such as lecithin or glycerin, write or call the manufacturer and ask about its origin.
This step not only helps you, but also shows manufacturers that there is a demand for vegan products.
The more people ask, the more pressure there will be on companies to be transparent and offer more vegan alternatives.
Tip 5 - Follow the certifications and vegan symbols
Certifications and symbols such as the Vegan Society logo or the V-Label are a reliable way to quickly identify vegan products.
These certifications guarantee that the product contains no animal ingredients and has not been tested on animals.
However, it is important to note that a label such as "lactose-free" or "vegetarian" does not necessarily mean that a product is vegan.
For example, vegetarian products may contain egg or dairy ingredients.
If you do not find any certification on the packaging but the product looks vegan, always check the ingredients.
Certifications are a great guide, but consistent label reading is still essential.
With these practical tips, you'll be better prepared to spot hidden animal ingredients and choose products that meet your ethical and health guidelines.
How reading labels relates to veganism
Veganism is a complex lifestyle that goes far beyond diet. While a plant-based diet is one of the main pillars of veganism, a truly ethical and sustainable approach also includes the choice of products we use in our everyday lives - from cosmetics to drugstore to household items.
Reading labels is therefore essential not only when buying food, but also when choosing shampoos, creams, cleaning products or even candles.
Hidden animal ingredients in everyday products
Many people do not realise that animal ingredients can be hidden in products that at first glance have nothing to do with animal production.
For example, shampoos may contain keratin (derived from animal hair and horns), creams may contain lanolin (from sheep's wool) and cleaning products may contain animal fats.
Even candles may be made from beeswax or contain stearin, which may be of animal origin.
Ethical and sustainable decision-making
Consistent label reading is key to living in line with vegan values. When we take the time to research product ingredients, we not only avoid animal ingredients, but also encourage ethical and sustainable practices.
By choosing products that are free of animal ingredients and have not been tested on animals, we send a clear signal to manufacturers that the demand for vegan and organic alternatives is growing.
Veganism as a path to responsibility
Veganism is not just about what we eat, but also about the impact our daily choices have on the planet, animals and future generations.
Reading labels allows us to take responsibility for our choices and minimize negative impacts on the environment.
For example, by choosing vegan cleaning products, we reduce our consumption of animal fats and support environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
Education and awareness
Reading labels also contributes to our education and awareness. When we learn to recognise ingredients and their origins, we gain more control over what we buy and use.
This process also motivates us to care more about the origin of products and to support brands that share our values.
Veganism as a lifestyle
Veganism is about making conscious choices and trying to live in harmony with nature and our ethical principles.
Consistent label reading is one of the tools to achieve this. It's not just about what we eat, but also about the products we use and the world we want to co-create.
Every small step, like choosing a vegan shampoo or cleaning product, contributes to the greater whole - a more sustainable and compassionate world.
