Guides
Verify Veg blog
Hidden animal ingredients, dish questions, and shopping against your diet, at home and on the road.
Are 'Natural Flavors' Vegan? They Can Hide Animal Products
"Natural flavors" sounds plant-based, but the FDA definition includes meat, seafood, eggs and dairy as possible sources. Here's why it's ambiguous and how to check.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Mexican Food (Lard, Stock and Manteca)
Mexican food hides animal products in lard (manteca), chicken stock and cheese. Even refried beans and rice are often not vegetarian. Here's how to eat vegan in Mexico.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Malaysian and Singaporean Food (Belacan, Lard)
Malaysian and Singaporean food hides animal products in belacan shrimp paste, anchovy sambal and pork lard, even in vegetable dishes. Here's what to watch.
'May Contain Milk': Does That Mean Not Vegan?
"May contain milk" is a cross-contamination warning, not an ingredient. It does not necessarily mean a product is not vegan. Here's the difference between contains and may contain.
Lard and Tallow: Where They Hide in Everyday Food
Lard (pig fat) and tallow (beef fat) are animal fats that hide in pie crusts, refried beans, tortillas and french fries. Here's how to spot them on labels and menus.
The Kosher Traveler's Guide to Packaged Food
Keeping kosher while traveling means spotting hidden non-kosher ingredients and recognizing certification symbols. Here's what to check and how to stay kosher anywhere.
L-Cysteine (E920): Human Hair and Feathers in Bread?
L-cysteine (E920) is a dough conditioner that has traditionally been made from human hair, duck feathers or pig bristles. Today much of it is synthetic. Here's what to know.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Korean Food (Fish Sauce, Anchovy Stock)
Korean food hides animal products in fish sauce, salted shrimp and anchovy stock, even in kimchi and vegetable stews. Here's what to watch and how to eat vegan in Korea.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Italian Food (Rennet, Anchovy and Guanciale)
Italian food hides animal products in cheese rennet, anchovies and cured pork, even in dishes that look vegetarian. Here's what to watch and how to eat vegan in Italy.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Japanese Food (Dashi, Bonito, Mirin)
Japanese food hides animal products in broths and seasonings: bonito dashi, katsuobushi flakes, fish in sauces, egg and gelatin. Here's what to watch and what's vegan-safe.
Isinglass in Beer & Wine: Is Your Drink Vegan?
Some beer and wine is clarified with isinglass, a gelatin made from fish swim bladders, so it may not be vegetarian or vegan. Here's what it is and how to find vegan drinks.
Is White Sugar Vegan? Bone Char, Explained
Some white sugar is filtered through bone char made from animal bones, so it is not always vegan. Beet sugar and organic sugar never use it. Here's how to tell.