Guides
Verify Veg blog
Hidden animal ingredients, dish questions, and shopping against your diet, at home and on the road.
Is Glycerin (Glycerol) Vegan? Plant, Animal, or Synthetic
Glycerin (E422) can come from vegetable oil, animal fat, or petroleum, and the label rarely says which. Here's how to tell and find plant-based glycerin.
Is Fried Rice Vegetarian? (Egg, Fish Sauce & Meat)
Fried rice is usually not vegetarian: it's cooked with egg, often seasoned with fish sauce, and frequently contains meat or shrimp. Here's how to order a veg version.
Is Gelatin Vegetarian or Vegan? (What It's Made From)
Gelatin is not vegetarian or vegan. It comes from animal skin, bones and connective tissue, usually from pigs or cattle. Here's where it hides and the plant-based alternatives.
Is Feijoada Vegetarian? (Pork & Beef Stew)
Feijoada is not vegetarian: it's a Brazilian black-bean stew simmered with pork and beef. A vegetarian 'feijoada' (beans without meat) exists. Here's what to check.
Is E120 (Carmine) Vegan? The Red Dye Made From Insects
Carmine (E120) is not vegan or vegetarian. It is a red food dye made from crushed cochineal insects. Here's what it's in and how to spot it on labels.
Is an Empanada Vegetarian? (It Depends on the Filling & Dough)
Empanadas vary: beef, chicken, cheese or vegetable fillings, and the dough may contain lard or butter. Here's how to tell and how to find a vegan empanada.
Is Pizza Vegetarian? (Rennet & Hidden Toppings)
Pizza can be vegetarian, but two things catch people: rennet in the cheese and meat toppings. Here's what to check for a vegetarian or vegan pizza.
Is Dim Sum Vegetarian? (Pork, Shrimp & Hidden Stock)
Dim sum is mostly not vegetarian: classic dumplings are filled with pork and shrimp. But some dishes are vegetarian. Here's what to order and what to avoid.
Is Currywurst Vegetarian? (Sausage + Curry Ketchup)
Currywurst is not vegetarian: it's a pork sausage served with curry ketchup. A vegetarian/vegan version using plant sausage exists. Here's what to check.
Is Char Kway Teow Vegetarian? (Shrimp, Sausage & Lard)
Char kway teow is usually not vegetarian: it's stir-fried with shrimp, Chinese sausage and egg, often in pork lard. Vegetarian versions exist. Here's what to check.
Is Couscous Vegan? (Butter & Broth)
Plain couscous is vegan, but the dish is usually served with meat and often cooked with butter or meat broth. Here's how to tell and how to order vegan couscous.
Is Chana Masala Vegan? (Chickpea Curry, Explained)
Chana masala is usually vegan: chickpeas simmered in a tomato-onion-spice gravy. But some recipes add ghee or cream. Here's how to be sure.