It is scary to find out what is commonly found in food these days! When it comes to most people, it seems that they don't want to know or even think about what constitutes "food" or they most likely will stop eating it!Besides animal body parts there are a lot of chemicals, artificial ingredients, etc... that few people truely know what it actually is made of. Below is a long list of items found in foods and other products that can contain animal parts . Several of them have a vegan alternative but unless absolutly sure, most of these items and ingrediants should be avoided. A good phylosophy to have when it comes to eating in general, whether a vegan or not.... the more natural it is the better! If you can't recognize an ingredient on the label.... perhaps you shouldn't get it! Some items are obvious.... some are not... I am sure I missed somethings so let me know!   Plus, I will repeat myself here.... If you don't know... just don't..... The beef industry has contributed to more American deaths than all the wars of this century, all natural disasters, and all automobile accidents combined. If beef is your idea of 'real food for real people,' you'd better live real close to a real good hospital.  Neal D. Barnard, M.D., President, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Washington, D.C. A dead cow or sheep lying in the pasture is recognized as carrion. The same sort of carcass dressed and hung up in a butchers stall passes as food.  J. H. Kellogg Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.  Albert Schweitzer, French philosopher, physician, and musician (Nobel 1952)

A few common ingredients found in lots of "seemingly" vegan food.... to look out for include: Gelatin (including marshmallows) Casein (calcium caseinate) (Found in soy cheese sometimes....) Rennet (Also found even in soy cheese sometimes....) Whey (a dairy product found in lots of things... breads, margarine... Also look out for : Mayonnaise…most contain egg Pasta…. Some contain egg   BACK TO  NON VEGAN LIST   Home Veganism Reasons to be VEGAN Ready Made vegan food VEGAN menu ideas Ingredients to avoid Food to keep on hand VEGAN recipes Substitutions / Converting recipes Nutrition Famous Vegetarians Great Links In the NEWS CONTACT VEGAN WOLF     A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y , Z A: ACETATE: Retinol. Vitamin A. Palmitate (see Palmitic Acid). An aliphatic alcohol. Can come from fish liver oil (ie. shark liver oil), egg yolks, butter, lemongrass, wheat germ oil, carotene in carrots, etc., synthetics. In cosmetics, creams, perfumes, hair dyes, vitamins, supplements. Acetylated Hydrogenated Lard Glyceride Acetylated Lanolin Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol Acetylated Lanolin Ricinoleate Acetylated Tallow   ADRENALINE: From the adrenals of hogs, cattle and sheep. In medicines. Alternatives: synthetics AFTERBIRTH: Placenta. Placenta Polypeptides Protein. Contains waste matter eliminated by the fetus. Derived from the uterus of slaughtered animals. Animal placenta is widely used in skin creams, shampoos, masks, etc. Doesn't remove wrinkles. Alternatives: kelp, vegetable oils. ALBUMEN: Egg Albumen. Albumin. In eggs, milk, muscles, blood and in many vegetable tissues and fluids. In cosmetics, albumen is usually derived from egg whites. May cause allergic reactions. In cakes, cookies, candies, other foods. Egg whites sometimes used in "clearing" wines. ALBUMIN: See Albumen. ALIPHATIC ALCOHOL: See Acetate. ALLANTOIN: A uric acid from cows, most mammals. Also in many plants (especially comfrey). In cosmetics, especially creams & lotions, and used in the treatment of wounds and skin ulcers. AMBERGRIS: From sperm whale intestines. Used as a fixative in perfumes and as a flavoring in foods and beverages. (US regulations currently prohibit the use of ingredients derived from marine mammals.) Alternatives: synthetic and vegetable fixatives. Amerachol™ Aminiuccinate Acid; DL and L Forms AMINO ACIDS: Animal or plant sources. In cosmetics, vitamins, supplements, shampoos, etc. AMINOSUCCINATE ACID: DL and L forms. Aspartic Acid. Can be animal or plant (ie. molasses) source. Is a nonessential amino acid. In creams and ointments. Sometimes synthesized for commercial purposes. Ammonium Hydrolyzed Protein Amniotic Fluid AMPD Isoteric Hydrolyzed Animal Protein AMYLASE: An enzyme prepared from the pancreas of hogs. In cosmetics and Inedicines. ANIMAL BONES: Bone Meal. In some fertilizers, some vitamins and supplements as a source of calcium, also in toothpastes. Alternatives: plant mulch, vegetable compost, dolomite, clay, vegetarian vitamins. Animal Collagen Amino Acids Animal Keratin Amino Acids ANIMAL OILS AND FATS: In foods, cosmetics, etc. Highly allergenic. Plant derivatives are superior. Alternatives: olive oil, wheat germ oil, coconut oil, almond oil, safflower oil, etc. Animal Protein Derivative Animal Tissue Extract - Epiderm Oil R   ARACHIDONIC ACID: A liquid unsaturated fatty acid occurring in the liver, brain, glands, and fat of animals. Generally isolated from the liver. In skin creams and lotions to soothe eczema and rashes. Artificial Colors: Some artificial colors are made with animal ingredients. cochineal is used to make some red dyes. See Carmine. ASPARTIC ACID: See Aminosuccinate Acid. ASPIC: An industry alternative for gelatin. Is made from clarified meat, fish or vegetable stocks and gelatin. BACK TO  NON VEGAN LIST B: Batyl Alcohol Batyl Isostearate BEE POLLEN: Collected from the legs of bees. Causes allergic reactions in some people. In supplements, shampoos, toothpastes, deodorants. Too concentrated for human use. BEE PRODUCTS: From bees. For bees. Bees are selectively bred. Culls are killed. A cheap sugar is substituted for their stolen honey and millions die as a result. Their legs are often torn off by pollen-collecting trap doors. BEESWAX: Obtained from the honeycomb of bees. Very cheap and traditional, but harmful to the skin. Some companies won't use beeswax as it doesn't permit the skin to breathe. In lipsticks and many other cosmetics, especially face creams, lotions, mascaras, eye creams and shadows, makeup bases, nail whiteners, etc. Used in making candles, crayons and polishes. Alternatives: Paraffin; vegetable oils and fats; ceresin, made from the mineral ozokerite (replaces beeswax in candle making); carnauba wax from the Brazilian palm tree (used in many cosmetic and in the manufacture of rubber, phonograph records, in waterproofing and writing inks); synthetic beeswax. BENZOIC ACID: In almost all vertebrates and in berries. In mouthwashes, deodorants, creams, aftershave lotions, perfumes, foods, beverages. Alternatives: gum benzoin (tincture) from the aromatic balsamic resin from trees grown in China, Sumatra, Thailand and Cambodia. Benzyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Animal Protein BETA CAROTENE: Provitamin A. Carotene. Found in many animal tissues an in all plants. Used as a coloring in cosmetics and in the manufacture of Vitamin A. BIOTIN: Vitamin H. Vitamin B Factor. In every living cell and in larger amounts in milk and yeast. Used in cosmetics, shampoos, creams. Alternatives: plant sources. BLOOD: This should be obvious but if it isn't... From any slaughtered animal. Used in cheese making, foam rubber, intravenous feedings, medicines and as adhesive in plywood. Possibly in foods as lecithin (see choline bitarate). Alternatives: synthetics, plant sources. BOAR BRISTLES: Hair from wild or captive hogs. In "natural" toothbrushes, hairbrushes, bath brushes, cosmetic brushes and shaving brushes. Alternatives: vegetable fibers, nylon. BONE ASH: Bone Earth. The ash of burned bones, used as a fertilizer, in making ceramics and in cleaning and polishing compounds. BONEBLACK: Bone Charcoal. A black pigment containing about 10% charcoal made by roasting bones in an airtight container. Used in aquarium filters and in refining cane sugar. In eye shadows, polishes. BONE CHARCOAL: See Boneblack BONE EARTH: See Bone Ash BONE MEAL: See Animal Bones Brain Extract Buttermilk BACK TO  NON VEGAN LIST   C: C30-46 Piscine Oil CALCIFEROOL: Vitamin D. Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2, Ergosterol, provitarnin D2, Calciferool). Vitamin D3. Vitamin D can come from fish-liver oil, eggs, milk, butter. Vitamin D2 is made by irradiating ergosterol, a provitamin from plants or yeast. Vitamin D3 is from fish-liver oil. In creams, lotions, other cosmetics, vitamins. Alternatives: sunshine, plant sources, synthetics. CALCIUM CARBONATE: Calcite. Aragonite. A white or colorless powder, crystalline compund, found mainly in limestone, marble and chalk, bones, teeth, shells and plant ash. CALCIUM HYDROXIDE: Slaked lime, a white crystalline compound prepared by the action of water on Calcium Oxide, used in making alkalies, bleaching powder, etc. CALCIUM OXIDE: a white soft, caustic solid, prepared by heating Calcium Carbonate; lime: used in making mortar and plaster, and in ceramics. CALCIUM PHOSPHATE: Any number of phosphates of calcium found in bones, teeth, and other animal tissues and used in medicine and in the manufacture of enamels, glass, cleaning agents, etc. Calfskin Extract Cantharides Tincture - Spanish Fly Carbamide - Urea, urine Carmine - Cochineal Carminic Acid - Natural Red No. 4 (E120) CAPRYLIC ACID: Can come from cow or goat milk. Also from palm and coconut oil, other plant oils. In perfumes, soaps. CARBAMIDE: Urea. Imidazolidinyl Urea. Uric Acid. Found in urine and other body fluids. Also produced synthetically In deodorants, ammoniated dentifrices, mouthwashes, hair colorings, hand creams, lotions, shampoos, etc. Used to "brown" baked goods such as pretzels. CARMINE: Cochineal. Carminic Acid. E120. Red pigment from the crushed female cochineal insect. Reportedly 70,000 beetles may be killed to produce one pound of this red dye. Used in cosmetics, shampoos, red apple sauce and other foods. May cause allergic reactions. Alternatives: beet juice, no known toxicity (used in powders, rouges, shampoos); alkanet root, from the root of an herblike tree, no known toxicity (used as a red dye for inks, wines, lip balms, etc. and can be combined to make a copper or blue coloring). CARMINIC ACID: See Carmine. CAROTENE: See Beta Carotene. CASEIN: Caseinogen. Milk protein. In "non-dairy" creamers, many cosmetics, hair preparations, beauty masks. Alternatives: soy protein, vegetable milks. CASEINOGEN: See Casein. CASTOR: Castoreum. From muskrat and beaver genitals. Used in perfumes and incense. Castor oil comes from the castor bean and is used in many cosmetics. Alternatives: synthetics, plant sources. CASTOREUM: See Castor. CATGUT: Tough cord or thread made from the intestines of sheep, horses, etc. Used for surgical sutures and for stringing tennis rackets and musical instruments, etc. Alternatives: nylon & other man-made fibers. Catharidin Ceteth-2 - Poltethylene (2) Cetyl Ether Ceteth-2, -4, -6, -10, -30 CETYL ALCOHOL: Cetyl Lactate. Cetyl Myristate. Cetyl Palmitate. Ceteth-1, 02, etc. Wax found in spermaceti from sperm whales or dolphin. Used in lipsticks, mascaras, nail polish removers, hand lotions, cream, rouges and many other cosmetics, shampoos, hair lacquers and other hair products, deodorants, antiperspirants (US regulations currently prohibit the use of ingredients derived from marine mammals.) Alternatives: vegetable cetyl alcohol (ie. coconut) synthetic spermaceti. CETYL LACTATE: See Cetyl Alcohol. CETYL MYRISTATE/ CETETH-(#): See Cetyl Alcohol. CETYL PALMITATE: See Spermaceti and Cetyl Alcohol. CHOLESTERIN: Cholesterol. A steroid alcohol, especially in all animal fats and oils, nerve tissue, egg yolk and blood. Can be derived from lanolin . In cosmetics, eye creams, shampoos, etc. Alternatives: plant sources, synthetics. CHOLESTEROL: See Cholesterin. CHOLINE BITARTATE: Lecithin. In all living organisms. Frequently obtained for commercial purposes from eggs and soybeans (when stated soy lecithin). Also from nerve tissue, blood, milk, corn. Choline bitartrate, the basic constituent of lecithin, is in many animal and plant tissues or prepared synthetically. Lecithin can be in eye creams, lipsticks, liquid powders, hand creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, other cosmetics, candies, other foods and medicines. Chondroitin: Made from animal cartilage, such as tracheas or shark cartilage. CIVET. Obtained from the civet, a small mammal, by stimulating it, usually through torture. Civets are kept captive in cages in horrible conditions. Used in perfumes as a fixative. COCHINEAL (E120): See Carmine. COD LIVER OIL: Fish Liver Oil. Fish Livers. Used in Lubricating creams and lotions, vitamins and supplements. In milk fortified with Vitamin D. Alternatives: vegetable oils, yeast extract ergosterol, sunshine. Coleth-24 COLLAGEN: A fibrous protein in vertebrates. Usually derived from animal tissue. In cosmetics. Can't affect the skin's own collagen. Alternatives: soy protein, almond oil, amla oil (from Indian tree's fruit). CORTICO STEROID: Cortisone. Hormone from cattle liver. Widely used in medicine. Alternatives: synthetics. CORTISONE: See Cortico Steroid. CYSTEINE, L-Form: Cystine. Two amino acids which can come from animals. Used in hair products and creams, in some bakery products and wound healing formulations. Alternatives: Plant sources. CYSTINE: See Cysteine, L-Form. BACK TO  NON VEGAN LIST   D: Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate DNA/RNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Ribonucleic Acid. Polypeptides. Obtained from slaughterhouse wastes. In all living cells. Used in many protein shampoos and cosmetics. Alternatives: plant cells. DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID: See DNA/RNA. DEPANTHENOL: Panthenol. Vitamin B Complex Factor. Provitarnin B5. Can come from animal or plant sources or synthetics. In shampoos, foods, supplements, emollients, etc. Desamido Animal Collagen Desamidocollagen Dicapryloyl Cystine Diethylene Tricaseinamide DIGLYCERIDES: Monoglycerides. Glycerides. From animal fat. In margarines, cake mixes, confectionaries, foods, peanut butter, non-dairy coffee creamer, cosmetics, etc. Glycerin. Alternatives: vegetable monoglycerides and diglycerides, synthetics. Dihydrocholesterol Dihydrocholesterol Octyledecanoate Dihydrocholeth-15 Dihydrocholeth-30 Dihydrogenated Tallow Benzylmoniumchloride Dihydrogenated Tallow Methylamine Dihydrogenated Tallow Phthalate Dihydroxyethyl Tallow Amine Oxide Dimethyl Hydrogenated Tallowamine Dimethyl Tallowamine Disodium Hydrogenated TallowGlutamate Disodium Tallamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate Disodium Tallowaminodipropionate Ditallowdimonium Chloride DOWN: Goose or duck insulating feathers. Often from slaughtered or cruelly exploited geese. Used in pillows and as an insulator in quilts, parkas and sleeping bags. Bad in cold, wet weather as it packs down. Alternatives: many polyester and man-made substitutes, superior in many ways; Kapok (silky fibers from the seeds of some tropical trees); milkweed seed pod fibers. Dried Buttermilk Dried Egg Yolk DUODENUM SUBSTANCES: From the digestive tracts of cattle and swine. In some vitamins and medicines. Alternatives: vegetarian vitamins, synthetics. BACK TO  NON VEGAN LIST   E: E120: See Carmine. E542 Edible Bone Phosphate Egg EGG ALBUMEN/ALBUMIN: See Albumen. Egg Oil Egg Powder EGG PROTEIN: In shampoos, skin preparations, etc. Alternatives: plant proteins. Egg Yolk Egg Yolk Extract ELASTIN: Found in the neck ligaments and aorta of bovine. Similar to collagen. Can't affect the skin's own elasticity. Alternatives: synthetics, proteins from plant tissues. Embryo Extract ERGISTEROL: See Calciferool. ERGOCALCIFEROL: See Calciferool. ESTRADIOL: Estrone. Estrogen. From cow ovaries and pregnant mares' urine. Considered a drug. Can have harmful systemic effects if used by children. Used for reproductive problems and in birth control pills. In creams and lotions. Has no effect in the creams as a "nourishing" factor and simple vegetable source creams are considered better. Alternatives: Oral contraceptives marketed today are usually based on synthetic steroids. Phytoestrogens (from plants) are being researched currently. Estradiol Benzoate ESTROGEN: See Estradiol. ESTRONE: See Estradiol. Ethyl Arachidonate Ethyl Ester of Hydrolyzed Animal Protein Ethyl Morrhuate - Lipineate Ethylene Dehydrogenated Tallowamide BACK TO  NON VEGAN LIST   F: FATTY ACIDS: Can be one or any mixture of liquid and solid acids, caprylic, myristic, oleic, palmitic, stearic , behenic. Used in bubble baths, lipsticks, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, shampoos, foods. Alternatives: vegetable-derived acids, soy lecithin, safflower oil, bitter almond oil, sunflower oil, etc. FEATHERS: Down. Keratin. Generally from exploited and/or slaughtered birds. Can be used as ornaments in whole or can be ground up in shampoos, etc. Fish Glycerides FISH LIVER(S): See Cod Liver Oil. FISH LIVER OIL: See Cod Liver Oil. FISH OIL: Marine Oil. From fish or marine mammals (including porpoises). Used in soap making, candles, lubricants, paints and as a shortening (especially in some margarines). US regulations currently prohibit the use of ingredients derived from marine mammals. FISH SCALES: Used in shimmery makeups (eye, etc.). Garbage cans full of scales are sold to manufacturers. Alternatives: mica, rayon. FLETAN OIL: Rare ingredient derived from fish liver which includes lecithin, Vitamin A and Vitamin D. FUR: Hopefully speaks for itself. BACK TO  NON VEGAN LIST   G: GELATIN: Sometimes Gel. Protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments or bones with water, from cattle and hogs. Used in shampoos, face masks, other cosmetics. Used as a thickener for fruit gelatins and puddings (Jello-brand desserts). In candies, marshmallows, cakes, ice cream, yogurts. On photographic film as a coating and in vitamins as capsules. Sometimes used to assist in "clearing" wines. Alternatives: algae and seaweed (carrageen/ Irish Moss, algin, agar-agar, kelp), Gelozone, used in jellies, plastics, medicines, pectin from fruit, dextrins, locust bean gum and cotton gum. Marshmallows were originally made from the root of the marshmallow plant. GEL: See Gelatin, Glucosamine: Made from the shells of crabs, lobster, and shrimp. Glucuronic Acid GLUTAMIC ACID: An amino acid found widely in plant and animal tissue. Used as food seasoning and as an antioxidant in cosmetics. GLYCERIDES: See Diglycerides. GLYCERIN: Glycerine. Glycerol. Polyglycerol. Polytethylene Glycol (PEG). A byproduct of soap manufacture (normally used animal fat). In cosmetics, foods, mouthwashes, toothpastes, soaps, ointments, medicines, lubricants, transmission and brake fluids, plastics. Alternatives: vegetable or vegetable glycerin, a by-product of vegetable oil soap; derivatives of seaweed, petroleum. GLYCERINE: See Glycerin, GLYCEROL: See Diglycerides. Glyceryl Lanolate Glycogen GOOSE INSULATING FEATHERS: See Down. GUANINE: Pearl Essence. Obtained from scales of fish. Constituent of ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid and is found in all animal and plant tissues. In shampoos, nail polish, other cosmetics. Alternatives: leguminous plants, synthetics. BACK TO  NON VEGAN LIST   H: Heptylundecanol HIDE GLUE: Same as gelatin but of a cruder, more impure form. Alternatives: dextrins and synthetic petrochemical-based adhesives. HONEY. Food for bees, made by bees. Still a sugar, too concentrated for humans. Contains toxins harmful to humans. Can cause allergic reactions. In cosmetics, foods. Alternatives: Maple syrup, date sugar, syrups made from grains. HORSE HAIR AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR: In some blankets, mattresses, brushes, furniture, etc. Alternatives: vegetable and man-made fibers. Human Placental Protein Human Umbilical Extract Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogenated Animal Glyceride Hydrogenated Ditallow Amine Hydrogenated Honey Hydrogenated Laneth-5, -20, -25 Hydrogenated Lanolin Hydrogenated Lanolin Alcohol Hydrogenated Lard Glyceride Hydrogenated Shark-Liver Oil Hydrogenated Tallow Acid Hydrogenated Tallow Betaine Hydrogenated Tallow Glyceride Hydrolyzed Animal Elastin Hydrolyzed Animal Keratin HYDROLYZED ANIMAL PROTEIN: In cosmetics, especially shampoos and hair treatments. Alternatives: soy protein, other vegetable proteins, amla oil (from an Indian tree's fruit). Hydrolyzed Animal Protein Hydrolyzed Casein Hydrolyzed Elastin Hydrlyzed Human Placental Protein Hydrolyzed Keratin HYDROLYZED MILK PROTEIN: Milk Protein. From cows'