Tag: vegetarian
102 posts tagged "vegetarian"
Are Bitterballen Vegetarian? (Dutch Beef Snack)
Bitterballen are not vegetarian: they're deep-fried balls filled with a beef ragout. Vegetarian bitterballen (mushroom or cheese) exist. Here's what to check.
Are Dumplings (Pierogi) Vegetarian? (Fillings & Toppings)
Pierogi vary: potato-and-cheese is vegetarian, sauerkraut-and-mushroom is often vegan, and meat fillings aren't. The dough may contain egg. Here's how to tell.
Animal-Derived E-Numbers: The Quick Reference List
A quick reference of the E-numbers that are animal-derived or ambiguous, from carmine (E120) to l-cysteine (E920). Save this list for reading European labels.
Are Gyoza Vegetarian? (Pork & Garlic-Chive Filling)
Gyoza are usually not vegetarian: the classic filling is ground pork with cabbage and chives. Vegetable gyoza exist. Here's what to check, including the dipping sauce.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Ask 'Is This Vegetarian?' in Japanese, German, French and More
The word 'vegetarian' doesn't always translate cleanly, and fish is not always treated as meat. Here are the exact phrases to ask in seven languages.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Indian Food (Ghee, Paneer and Curd)
Indian food hides animal products in dairy: ghee, paneer, curd and cream. The FSSAI green and brown dots and the new V logo help. Here's what to watch and how to eat vegan in India.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Indonesian Food (Terasi, Krupuk)
Indonesian food hides animal products in shrimp paste (terasi), fish sauce and shrimp crackers (krupuk), even in sambal. Here's what to watch and how to eat vegan in Indonesia.
Ingredient Translation Cheat Sheet (Animal-Derived Words in 8 Languages)
The animal-derived ingredient words to recognize on foreign labels: milk, egg, meat, fish, gelatin and more, across German, French, Dutch, Indonesian, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.
Is Aloo Gobi Vegan? (Potato & Cauliflower Curry)
Aloo gobi is usually vegan: potato and cauliflower in a tomato-onion-spice gravy. Some cooks use ghee. Here's how to be sure.
Is Beeswax (E901) Vegan? In Candy, Gum and Cosmetics
Beeswax (E901) is made by honey bees, so it is not vegan. It coats candy, chewing gum and fruit, and hides in cosmetics. Here's how to spot it.
Is Bibimbap Vegetarian? (Egg, Beef & Gochujang)
Bibimbap is usually not vegetarian: it's topped with a fried egg and sliced beef. Vegetable bibimbap exists, but watch the egg and the gochujang. Here's what to check.
Is Biryani Vegetarian? (And Is There a Vegan Version?)
Biryani is usually a meat dish (chicken or mutton), but vegetable biryani is common too. Both are often cooked with ghee. Here's how to tell and how to find vegan biryani.
Is Borscht Vegetarian? (Beet Soup, Explained)
Borscht varies: it can be made with meat stock or be fully vegetarian, and it's often served with sour cream. Here's how to tell and how to get vegan borscht.
Is Bratwurst Vegetarian? (Sausage, Explained)
Bratwurst is not vegetarian: it's a German pork (or veal/pork) sausage. Plant-based bratwurst exists and is common. Here's what to check.
Is Bulgogi Vegetarian? (It's Beef: Here's the Veg Swap)
Bulgogi is Korean marinated beef, so it's not vegetarian. The marinade itself is usually vegan. Here's how to order a mushroom or tofu version instead.
Is Carbonara Vegetarian? (Guanciale, Egg & Rennet)
Traditional carbonara is not vegetarian: it contains guanciale (cured pork cheek), egg and pecorino made with animal rennet. Here's what makes it non-veg and the vegetarian swaps.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Goulash Vegetarian? (Beef & Pork Stew)
Goulash is not vegetarian: it's a paprika-spiced stew of beef or pork. A vegetarian version with mushrooms or beans exists. Here's what to check.
Is Green Curry Vegetarian or Vegan? (Fish Sauce & Shrimp Paste)
Thai green curry is usually not vegetarian: the curry paste contains shrimp paste and fish sauce. Vegetarian and vegan green curry exist. Here's what to check.
Is Guacamole Vegan? (Yes: Here's What to Watch)
Guacamole is vegan: mashed avocado, lime, onion, cilantro and chili. The only thing to watch is occasional sour cream or mayo. Here's how to be sure.
Is Honey Vegan? The Debate, Explained
Honey is usually vegetarian but not vegan. It is an animal product made by bees, and vegans avoid it on ethical grounds. Here's the reasoning and the plant alternatives.
Is Idli Vegan? (Steamed Rice Cakes)
Idli are vegan: steamed cakes of fermented rice and urad dal, served with sambar and chutney. Here's what's in them and the one thing to double-check.
Is Kimchi Vegetarian? (Fish Sauce & Shrimp Paste)
Kimchi is usually not vegetarian: it's traditionally seasoned with fish sauce and salted shrimp. Here's how to tell, and how to find vegan kimchi.
Is Laksa Vegetarian? (Shrimp Paste & Stock)
Laksa is usually not vegetarian: the curry base contains shrimp paste and the broth is often seafood or chicken. Vegetarian laksa exists. Here's what to check.
Is Lasagna Vegetarian? (Meat, Rennet & Béchamel)
Classic lasagna is not vegetarian: it's layered with meat ragù and cheese made with animal rennet. Vegetarian and vegan lasagna exist. Here's what to check.
Is Masala Dosa Vegan? (South Indian Classic)
Masala dosa is usually vegan: a rice-and-lentil crepe filled with spiced potato. But some cooks use ghee or butter. Here's how to be sure.
Is Massaman Curry Vegetarian or Vegan? (Beef, Fish Sauce & Shrimp Paste)
Massaman curry is usually not vegetarian: it's typically made with beef or chicken, and the paste contains shrimp paste and fish sauce. Vegetarian massaman exists. Here's how.
Is Miso Soup Vegetarian? (Dashi & Bonito, Explained)
Miso soup is usually not vegetarian: the broth is made with dashi from dried fish (bonito). The miso paste itself is plant-based. Here's how to find vegan miso soup.
Is Moussaka Vegetarian? (Greek, But With Meat)
Moussaka is usually not vegetarian: it's layered with ground lamb or beef and a béchamel topping. Vegetarian moussaka (lentil or vegetable) exists. Here's what to check.
Is Nasi Lemak Vegetarian? (Anchovy Sambal & Fried Anchovies)
Nasi lemak is usually not vegetarian: the sambal contains anchovies and it's topped with fried anchovies and egg. Vegetarian nasi lemak exists. Here's what to check.
Is Pad Thai Vegetarian or Vegan? (Fish Sauce, Explained)
Traditional pad thai is not vegetarian: it contains fish sauce, dried shrimp and egg. Here's exactly what makes it non-veg and how to order a vegan version.
Is Paella Vegetarian? (Stock, Chorizo & Seafood)
Traditional paella is not vegetarian: it's cooked with meat, seafood or both, and simmered in stock. Vegetable paella exists. Here's what to check before ordering.
Is Pepsin Vegan? The Animal Enzyme in Supplements
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme traditionally extracted from pig stomachs, so it is not vegetarian or vegan. It hides in supplements and some cheeses. Here's what to check.
Is Margherita Pizza Vegetarian? (Rennet in the Mozzarella)
Margherita pizza is vegetarian: tomato, mozzarella and basil: but not vegan. The mozzarella may be made with animal rennet. Here's what to check.
Is Poutine Vegetarian? (Gravy & Cheese Curds)
Poutine is usually not vegetarian: the gravy is typically beef or chicken based, and it's topped with cheese curds. Vegetarian and vegan poutine exist. Here's how.
Is Ramen Vegetarian? (Tonkotsu, Egg & Chashu)
Almost all restaurant ramen is not vegetarian: the broth is usually pork, chicken or fish, and it's topped with pork and egg. Here's how to find real vegetarian ramen.
Is Rendang Vegetarian? (Beef Slow-Cooked in Coconut)
Rendang is usually not vegetarian: it's beef slow-cooked in coconut and spices. Vegetable rendang (jackfruit, tofu or potato) exists. Here's what to check.
Is Risotto Vegetarian or Vegan? (Stock, Butter & Parmesan)
Risotto is often not vegetarian: it's cooked with chicken or meat stock and finished with butter and rennet-based parmesan. Here's how to order a veg or vegan risotto.
Is Roti Canai Vegan? (Ghee in the Flatbread)
Roti canai is usually vegetarian but often not vegan: the flaky flatbread dough typically contains ghee or condensed milk. Here's how to tell.
Is a Samosa Vegetarian or Vegan? (Ghee in the Pastry)
A potato samosa is usually vegetarian but often not vegan: the pastry is typically made with ghee (clarified butter). Here's how to tell, and how to find vegan samosas.
Is Satay Vegetarian? (Peanut Sauce Is, the Meat Isn't)
Satay is not vegetarian: it's grilled meat skewers (chicken, beef or lamb). The peanut sauce is usually plant-based. Here's what to check, including the sauce.
Is Schnitzel Vegetarian? (It's Breaded Meat)
Schnitzel is not vegetarian: it's a breaded, fried meat cutlet (veal, pork or chicken). Vegetarian 'schnitzel' made from breaded veg exists. Here's what to check.
Is Shakshuka Vegetarian or Vegan? (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)
Shakshuka is vegetarian but not vegan: eggs poached in a spiced tomato-pepper sauce. A vegan version uses tofu or chickpeas instead of eggs. Here's the breakdown.
Is Shellac (E904) Vegan? Confectioner's Glaze, Explained
Shellac (E904) is not vegan or vegetarian. It is a resin secreted by the lac insect, used as a shiny glaze on candies, fruit and pills. Carnauba wax is the plant alternative.
Are Sweeteners Vegan? (Sucralose, Stevia, Aspartame and More)
Most sweeteners are vegan, since they are synthetic or plant-derived. But some powdered packets contain lactose as a filler. Here's the breakdown by sweetener.
Is Sushi Vegetarian? (What's Actually In It)
Sushi isn't automatically vegetarian: it's often raw fish, eel, roe or egg. But vegetable rolls, inari and avocado rolls are vegetarian. Here's how to tell.
Is Tacos al Pastor Vegetarian? (Spoiler: It's Pork)
Tacos al pastor are not vegetarian: they're made from marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. Here's what's in them and the vegetarian taco swaps.
Is Tagine Vegetarian or Vegan? (Meat vs Vegetable Stew)
Tagine varies: it's a Moroccan stew that can be lamb, chicken or fully vegetable. Vegetable tagine is common and often vegan. Here's how to tell.
Is Vada Pav Vegan? (Mumbai's Potato Burger)
Vada pav is usually vegan: a spiced potato fritter in a bun with chutneys. The bun may contain milk or butter. Here's how to be sure.
Is Tom Yum Vegetarian? (Shrimp & Fish Sauce)
Tom yum is usually not vegetarian: the classic version is made with shrimp (tom yum goong) and fish sauce. Vegetarian tom yum with mushroom or tofu exists. Here's how to order it.
Is Tiramisu Vegetarian? (Eggs & Mascarpone)
Tiramisu is vegetarian but not vegan: it's made with mascarpone, eggs and ladyfingers. Here's what's in it and how to find a vegan version.
Is Whey Vegan? Dairy Hiding in Protein & Snacks
Whey is not vegan. It is the liquid by-product of cheese-making, so it is dairy. It hides in protein powders, crackers, breads and some margarine. Here's how to spot it.
Is Wonton Mee Vegetarian? (Pork & Shrimp Dumplings)
Wonton mee is not vegetarian: it's noodles with pork-and-shrimp wontons and char siu (BBQ pork). Vegetarian versions exist. Here's what to check.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Middle Eastern Food (Lamb, Ghee and Stock)
Middle Eastern food hides animal products in lamb, ghee and meat stock, even in rice and stews. But falafel, hummus and tabbouleh are vegan. Here's what to watch.
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.
Scan Food Offline: How to Check Ingredients Without Signal
Checking food ingredients while traveling often means no signal. Here's how offline scanning works, when to download languages, and how to check labels anywhere.
Scan Before You Buy: How the App Flags Hidden Ingredients
The fastest way to avoid hidden animal ingredients is to scan before you buy. Here's how a scanner reads a label, what it flags, and why uncertainty beats guessing.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Spanish Food (Chorizo, Jamon and Stock)
Spanish food hides animal products in chorizo, jamon, meat stock and rennet cheese, even in bean stews and paella. Here's what to watch and how to eat vegan in Spain.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Thai Food (Fish Sauce, Shrimp Paste)
Thai food hides animal products in fish sauce, shrimp paste and oyster sauce, even in dishes that look vegetarian. Here's what to watch and how to order vegan in Thailand.
How to Read Food Labels in a Foreign Language (Vegan or Vegetarian)
Shopping for vegan or vegetarian food in a country whose language you don't read is hard. Here's a practical method, the key words to learn, and how to check a label fast.
The Vegan Traveler's Guide to Japan
Japan is one of the hardest countries to eat vegan, because dashi fish stock is in almost everything. Here's what's safe, what to avoid, and how to eat well.
The Vegetarian Student's Guide to Eating Abroad
Studying abroad as a vegetarian means foreign labels, dining halls and a tight budget. Here's a practical method to eat well and stay plant-based in a new country.
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Vietnamese Food (Fish Sauce, Shrimp Paste)
Vietnamese food hides animal products in fish sauce (nuoc mam), shrimp paste and the dipping sauce, even in fresh spring rolls. Here's what to watch and how to eat vegan in Vietnam.
What Is Rennet? Animal vs Microbial (Cheese, Explained)
Rennet is the enzyme that turns milk into cheese. Animal rennet comes from calves' stomachs and is not vegetarian. Microbial, vegetable and FPC rennet are. Here's how to tell.
Working Abroad Long-Term: Diet-Safe Grocery Shopping
Relocating for work means building a diet-safe routine, not just surviving one trip. Here's how to grocery shop, meal prep and eat out while working abroad.
Bahan Hewani Tersembunyi di Makanan Malaysia dan Singapura (Belacan, Lemak Babi)
Makanan Malaysia dan Singapura menyembunyikan produk hewani dalam belacan, sambal ikan teri, dan lemak babi, bahkan dalam hidangan sayuran. Berikut yang perlu diperhatikan.
Bahan Hewani Tersembunyi di Makanan Indonesia (Terasi, Kerupuk)
Makanan Indonesia menyembunyikan produk hewani dalam terasi, kerupuk udang, dan ikan, bahkan dalam sambal. Berikut yang perlu diperhatikan dan cara makan nabati di Indonesia.
Cara Membaca Label Makanan dalam Bahasa Asing (Vegan atau Vegetarian)
Belanja sebagai vegan atau vegetarian di negara yang bahasanya tidak Anda baca itu sulit. Berikut metode, kata-kata kuncinya, dan cara memeriksa label dengan cepat.
Panduan Mahasiswa Vegetarian di Luar Negeri
Kuliah di luar negeri sebagai vegetarian berarti label asing, kantin, dan anggaran ketat. Berikut metode praktis untuk makan nabati di negara baru.
Bahan Hewani Tersembunyi di Makanan Thailand (Kecap Ikan, Terasi)
Makanan Thailand menyembunyikan produk hewani dalam kecap ikan, terasi, dan saus tiram, bahkan dalam hidangan yang terlihat vegetarian. Berikut yang perlu diperhatikan.