Spotting Additives and Animal Ingredients for Healthy Vegan and Plant-Based Choices
Introduction:
Transitioning to a vegan or plant-based lifestyle involves making conscious food choices. To ensure your diet aligns with your values, it’s important to understand food labels. This blog will guide you through deciphering food labels, helping you identify additives and animal ingredients. With this knowledge, you can confidently make healthy choices that support your vegan or plant-based lifestyle.
Understanding Food Additives for Healthy Choices
Food additives are substances that enhance flavour, texture, shelf life, or appearance. While not all additives are non-vegan, some are derived from animals. Here are key additives to be aware of:
Gelatin
Derived from animal sources, gelatin is used as a gelling agent in desserts, candies, and certain dairy products.
Carmine or Cochineal
These red colorants are derived from crushed cochineal insects and are used in beverages, candies, and cosmetics.
L-cysteine
Found in baked goods, L-cysteine can be derived from human hair or poultry feathers.
Shellac
Obtained from the lac beetle, shellac is used as a glazing agent in candies, coatings, and fruits.
Identifying Animal Ingredients for Healthy Choices:
Apart from additives, it’s crucial to recognize potential animal-derived ingredients. Here are common animal ingredients to watch for:
Dairy Products
Ingredients like milk, whey, casein, lactose, and butter indicate the presence of dairy.
Eggs
Look out for ingredients such as eggs, egg yolks, egg whites, and albumin, which signify the use of eggs.
Honey
While debated among vegans, honey is derived from bees and is not typically considered vegan.
Animal Fats
Ingredients like lard, tallow, and suet imply the use of animal fats.
Tips for Reading Labels for Healthy Choices
Start with the Ingredients List
Scan the list for potential animal-derived ingredients or additives mentioned above. Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity.
Look for Vegan Certification Labels
Seek products with vegan certification logos, indicating they are independently verified as vegan-friendly.
Be Wary of Ambiguous Terminology
Terms like natural flavors, flavorings, and colorings may require further research or contacting the manufacturer for clarification.
Utilize Online Resources
Research and use online resources and smartphone apps that provide databases of additives and animal ingredients, making informed choices easier.
Conclusion
Reading food labels is essential for maintaining a healthy vegan or plant-based lifestyle. By understanding additives and animal ingredients and following the provided tips, you can confidently make informed choices while shopping. Remember, your knowledge and choices have a positive impact on your health, animal welfare, and the environment. Choose wisely for a healthier, vegan, and plant-based lifestyle.
