Vegan Diet: Banned Organic Compounds You Should Know

A vegan diet is one that is based on plants and foods made from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.

Some organic compounds that are not allowed in a vegan diet include meat and animal by-products such as animal fat, lard, and bone marrow; eggs and egg-based products like mayonnaise; dairy products like milk, cream, butter, cheese, and yoghurt; and honey.

In addition to these, there are some other compounds that vegans may wish to avoid, such as white sugar, which can be processed using animal bone char, and certain additives and flavourings that are derived from animals.

Meat and animal by-products

• Beef, lamb, pork, veal, horse, organ meat, wild meat, etc.
• Poultry: Chicken, turkey, goose, duck, quail, etc.
• Fish and seafood: All types of fish, anchovies, shrimp, squid, scallops, calamari, mussels, crab, and lobster.

Veganism is a way of living that attempts to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, be it for food or any other purpose. This means that, in addition to meat, vegans also avoid animal by-products, such as:

• Dairy: Milk, yoghurt, cheese, butter, cream, and ice cream.
• Eggs: From chickens, quails, ostriches, and fish.
• Honey: Bee pollen, royal jelly, etc.
• Clothing and cosmetics: Leather, wool, fur, and some cosmetics.
• Entertainment: Zoos, exotic pets, and circuses.
• Services: Guide dogs, police dogs, hunting dogs, and working animals.

Veganism is more than just a diet; it is a lifestyle choice that seeks to minimise animal cruelty and exploitation. As such, vegans will avoid purchasing items made from animal by-products, such as wool coats, leather furniture, or down pillows and comforters. They may also choose to visit animal sanctuaries instead of zoos, avoid wearing clothing made from animal products, and opt for vegan cosmetics and personal care products.

Dairy products

Vegans do not consume any products derived from animals. This is because vegans are concerned about animal rights, human health, and the environment.

Vegans believe that it is not the cow's choice to provide milk for human consumption. In addition, there is often poor treatment of animals within farming. For example, cows are sometimes fed hormones and are forced to become pregnant. The consumption of dairy products has also been linked to an impact on digestion and raised cholesterol.

There are now many substitutes for milk, yoghurt, cheese, and butter that are made from plant and soy-based products.

Honey and white sugar

Honey is not considered vegan because it is not a product of vegetable origin. Bees produce honey as their source of energy, food, and nutrients to survive hibernation. Without it, they will starve. Honey farmers remove the maximum amount of honey from the bees' hives before they hibernate, leaving the bees without this life-sustaining food source.

Some farmers replace the stolen honey with a sugary syrup, which lacks the essential nutrients bees need for health and longevity. As a result, bees may die or suffer from nutrient deficiencies later in their lives. Additionally, the beekeeping industry is quite cruel to bees. Bees are manipulated and exploited to achieve the maximum amount of honey possible. For example, the queen bee is tortured by having her wings cut off to prevent her from leaving the hive.

Honey is, therefore, not considered vegan because it is a product of animal origin and the process of obtaining it is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of bees.

White sugar is also not considered vegan by some. This is because one step in the process of refining cane sugar involves passing it through a charcoal filter made from bone char, which is the charred bones of animals. While the final product does not contain any bone char, it may have come into contact with it. However, not all cane sugar is produced using bone char, and beet sugar does not require this step in its refining process. Therefore, vegans who are concerned about the use of animal products can opt for beet sugar or cane sugar that is certified organic, as this is not made using bone char.

Food additives and dyes

Carmine or Cochineal:

Carmine, also known as cochineal, is a red dye derived from crushed cochineal insects. It is often found in candies and other red-coloured foods. Its E number is E120, and it is sometimes listed as carminic acid or natural red 4. This additive is not suitable for vegans due to its insect-derived origin. Instead, vegans can look for red dye number 40, which is a vegan-friendly alternative.

Gelatin:

Gelatin is commonly used as a gelling or thickening agent in food products, especially confectionery. It is made from animal bone and skin, typically from cows and pigs. The E number for gelatin is E441. Vegans should avoid products containing gelatin and opt for plant-based gelling agents instead.

Bone Phosphate:

Bone phosphate, or E542, is another additive derived from animals. It is made by grinding animal bones and is used to keep foods moist. This additive is not suitable for vegans, and alternative moisture-retaining ingredients should be sought.

Beeswax:

Beeswax, or E901, is a glazing agent produced by bees. It is often used to give a shiny coating to sweets and candies. Vegans should avoid products containing beeswax and opt for plant-based glazing agents or alternative coating methods.

Shellac:

Shellac, or E904, is a glazing agent derived from the secretions of the lac bug, an insect. It is used in a similar way to beeswax and can be found coating candies and fresh produce like citrus fruits. Vegans should avoid shellac and opt for unwaxed or organic produce when possible.

L-cysteine and its derivatives:

L-cysteine and its derivatives, including E910, E920, and E921, are additives made from animal hair and feathers. They are used as proving agents in some bread products. Vegans should be cautious when consuming bread and check the ingredient lists to ensure these additives are not present.

Lanolin:

Lanolin, or E913, is a greasy substance secreted by sheep and other woolly animals. While it is mostly used in cosmetics, it is also utilised in producing vitamin D3, which is commonly added to fortified foods and multivitamins. Vegans should be cautious of this additive and opt for vegan-friendly vitamin D2 and D3 sources derived from lichen.

Lactitol:

Lactitol, or E966, is a sweetener derived from lactose, which is made from milk. This additive is not suitable for vegans, and alternative sweeteners should be used.

Natural Flavourings:

Some natural flavourings are derived from animal sources. For example, castoreum is a food flavouring obtained from the secretions of beavers' anal scent glands. Vegans should be cautious of natural flavourings and carefully read ingredient lists to ensure animal-derived ingredients are not present.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly added to various food products, but most are derived from fish. Vegans should seek omega-3 sources derived from algae, a vegan-friendly alternative.

Vitamin D3:

Vitamin D3 is often added to fortified foods like cereals, but it is typically derived from fish oil or lanolin found in sheep's wool. Vegans should opt for vitamin D2 and D3 derived from lichen instead.

Dairy Ingredients:

Whey, casein, and lactose are dairy-derived ingredients that may be added to processed foods. Vegans should carefully read ingredient lists to avoid these additives and opt for plant-based alternatives.

Collagen, Elastin, and Keratin:

Collagen, elastin, and keratin are animal-derived proteins sometimes added to food products. Collagen and elastin are obtained from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, while keratin is derived from similar sources and also from animal hair. Vegans should avoid these additives and instead focus on plant-based sources of these proteins, such as sweet potatoes, garlic, mangoes, kale, and sunflower seeds.

Aspic:

Aspic is an alternative to gelatin, made from clarified meat, fish, or vegetable stocks and gelatin. It is often used to coat and glaze foods like cold meats or roasted poultry. Vegans should be cautious of this additive and carefully read ingredient lists to avoid consuming it.

Lard and Tallow:

Lard and tallow are forms of animal fat that may be present in baked goods, pre-made foods, and even canned soups. Vegans should avoid these ingredients and opt for plant-based fats and oils.

Albumen:

Albumen is derived from eggs and may be present in some food products. Vegans should be cautious of this ingredient and opt for plant-based alternatives.

In summary, vegans should be vigilant when it comes to food additives and dyes. Many of these substances are derived from animal sources and are not suitable for a vegan diet. Careful reading of ingredient lists and familiarity with vegan-friendly alternatives are essential for adhering to a vegan lifestyle.

Natural flavourings

Some non-vegan ingredients that have been found in natural flavours include castoreum, a slightly sweet substance found in the anal secretions of beavers, which is sometimes used to enhance vanilla, strawberry and raspberry flavours. Other natural flavours have been found to have been through animal testing by the FDA.

There are a couple of ways to find out whether a natural flavour is vegan or not. You can visit the company's website and check their product or FAQ page, or you can contact them directly by phone or email. However, many companies do not disclose this information.

Natural flavours are derived from plants and animals, while artificial flavours are derived from man-made substances. However, natural flavours are also formulated in labs, and their molecules can be identical. To be deemed "natural", a flavour only needs to be 80% natural, with the remaining 20% being a mixture of chemicals with addictive properties.

Natural flavours are complex blends created by specially trained food chemists, and in addition to the original plant or animal-based source, they can contain over 100 chemicals, including preservatives and solvents.

If you are unsure, it is recommended to avoid all foods with natural or artificial flavours, as they are not considered healthy.

Frequently asked questions