Guides
Verify Veg blog
Hidden animal ingredients, dish questions, and shopping against your diet, at home and on the road.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in German Food (Gelatin, Speck)
German food hides animal products in gelatin (gummy bears), speck bacon, rennet cheese and sausages, even in sweets. Here's what to watch and how to eat vegan in Germany.
The Halal Traveler's Food Guide (Airports, Hotels and Grocery)
Eating halal while traveling means spotting hidden pork, alcohol and animal rennet in unfamiliar food. Here's how to check labels and stay halal anywhere.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in French Food (Butter, Lardons)
French food hides animal products in butter, lardons bacon, gelatin and rennet cheese, even in vegetable dishes. Here's what to watch and how to eat vegan in France.
E-Numbers vs US Ingredient Names: Reading Imported Labels
Europe labels additives as E-numbers, while the US uses plain names. The same animal-derived additive has two names. Here's the cross-reference for reading imported labels.
The Expat Vegan's Pantry: What to Buy in a New Country
Moving abroad as a vegan means restocking a pantry from scratch in an unfamiliar store. Here's the core list that works everywhere and how to check unfamiliar brands.
E-Numbers: The Complete Vegan & Vegetarian Cheat Sheet
Which E-numbers are animal-derived? A quick reference: E120 (carmine), E441 (gelatin), E904 (shellac) and more: plus the ones that are usually vegan.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Chinese Food (Oyster Sauce, Lard)
Chinese food hides animal products in oyster sauce, lard, pork stock and minced meat in 'vegetable' dishes. Here's what to watch and how to order vegan in China.
Carmine vs Beet Juice: Natural Red Food Dyes Compared
Two 'natural' red food dyes with very different sources: carmine comes from insects, and beet juice comes from plants. Here's how they compare and how to tell them apart on a label.
Casein, Caseinate, Lactose and Albumin: The Hidden Dairy Ingredients
Dairy hides in food under names you might not recognize: casein, caseinate, lactose, whey and albumin. Here's what each one is and where it shows up.
Are Stroopwafels Vegan? (Dutch Syrup Waffles)
Traditional stroopwafels are vegetarian but not vegan: they contain butter, egg and milk. Vegan stroopwafels exist. Here's what to check.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Brazilian Food (Feijoada, Carne Seca)
Brazilian food hides animal products in feijoada (pork and beef), carne seca, lard and butter, even in rice and beans. Here's what to watch and how to eat vegan in Brazil.
Are Spring Rolls Vegetarian or Vegan? (Shrimp, Pork & Fish Sauce)
Spring rolls aren't automatically vegetarian: many contain shrimp or pork, and the dipping sauce is often fish sauce. Vegetable spring rolls exist. Here's how to tell.