Hidden Animal Ingredients 101

Hidden Animal Ingredients 101

Avoiding meat, eggs, and dairy is one thing—but what about the animal products you can’t see? Manufacturers use a surprising number of animal-derived ingredients in packaged foods, and many of them have names that don’t sound remotely like meat or dairy.

This lesson will help you uncover what’s really in your food by shining a light on the most common hidden animal ingredients. If you’re committed to eating a plant-based diet, knowing what to watch for is essential.

Why Are These Ingredients Hidden?

Food manufacturers often use animal products to enhance flavor, texture, color, or shelf life. Since these ingredients are considered additives or processing aids, they’re rarely explained clearly on the packaging. Some aren’t even required to be labeled.

Here are the most common animal-derived ingredients and where you’re likely to find them:

Top Hidden Animal Ingredients to Watch For

1. Casein and Whey

• What they are: Milk proteins

• Found in: “Non-dairy” creamers, protein bars, meal replacement powders, and even some vegan-labeled products.

• Red flag: Anything that says “non-dairy” may still contain these.

2. Gelatin

• What it is: Made from animal bones and connective tissue

• Found in: Gummies, marshmallows, some yogurts, vitamins, and desserts

• Plant-based alternatives: Agar-agar, pectin

3. Carmine (also called Cochineal)

• What it is: A red dye made from crushed insects

• Found in: Candy, juices, red or pink-colored yogurt, lipsticks

• Look for instead: Beet juice or annatto coloring

4. Lard, Tallow, and Suet

• What they are: Rendered animal fats

• Found in: Pie crusts, refried beans, tortillas, and some processed snacks

• Pro tip: Always check baked goods and snack foods—fats matter.

5. Rennet

• What it is: An enzyme from the stomach lining of calves

• Found in: Many cheeses, especially imported ones

• Vegan alternative: Microbial or vegetable rennet

6. Shellac

• What it is: A resin secreted by the lac bug

• Found in: Shiny coatings on candy, fruit snacks, and even some apples

• Look for instead: Plant-based glazes or waxes

7. Isinglass

• What it is: Fish bladder collagen

• Found in: Clarifying agent in some wines and beers

• Tip: Look for wines labeled “vegan” or research specific brands

8. Glycerin (or Glycerol)

• What it is: Can be plant- or animal-derived

• Found in: Toothpaste, chewing gum, baked goods, personal care products

• How to know: Check with the brand or opt for products labeled “vegan”

9. Lecithin

• What it is: Often from eggs or soy

• Found in: Chocolate, baked goods, processed foods

• Tip: Look for “soy lecithin” if you’re avoiding eggs but okay with soy

10. Natural Flavors

• What it is: A catch-all term that can include animal-derived ingredients

• Found in: Almost everything from beverages to snacks

• Tip: Contact the manufacturer if in doubt, or choose items labeled “vegan” or “plant-based”

What About “Vegan-Labeled” Products?

Just because something says vegan doesn’t mean it’s WFPB. Many “vegan” products still contain processed oils, refined sugars, and synthetic additives. Always read beyond the label and choose whole ingredients when possible.

Quick Takeaways:

• Hidden animal products are common—even in items labeled “non-dairy” or “natural.”

• Learn to recognize ingredient aliases like casein, gelatin, and rennet.

• Don’t assume vegan = healthy. Stick to whole, recognizable foods whenever possible.

• The shorter the ingredient list, the better.

Tips for Mastery:

• Use a label scanner app like Is It Vegan? or Fig to check questionable ingredients.

• Bookmark your favorite truly plant-based brands so you don’t have to guess each time.

• Make a “no-go” list of ingredients you want to avoid and keep it on your phone.

Up next: Let’s talk about gluten—and why it’s hiding in more places than just bread and pasta.