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Is it vegan?
Direct, sourced verdicts on the ingredients and products that confuse everyone — from E-numbers and processing aids to specific products you'll find at any supermarket.
3 articles in this topic.
What this topic covers
- ·Per-ingredient deep-dives: what it is, where it's sourced, when it's vegan and when it isn't.
- ·Per-product calls: specific SKUs (not just brands), with date and source of the verdict.
- ·Ambiguous-ingredient flags — when an additive can be plant- or animal-derived, we say so.
- ·Regulatory context: EFSA and FDA definitions where the labelling rules get strange.
What is carmine (E120)? The bug-based dye hiding in red food & lipstick
Carmine, cochineal, E120 — all names for a dye made from crushed beetles. Here's where it hides in food and cosmetics, and the best vegan red alternatives.
May 28, 2026 · 4 min read
Is gelatin vegan? What it's really made of (and 4 alternatives)
Gelatin comes from boiled animal bones and skin — never vegan. Here's where it hides, label names to scan for, and the best plant-based gelling agents.
May 22, 2026 · 4 min read
Is honey vegan? The complete 2026 answer
Honey is not vegan. Here's why bees count, what 'ethical honey' really means, and the 5 best plant-based sweeteners to use instead.
May 20, 2026 · 5 min read
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Frequently asked questions
- Why do some answers say 'depends on the source'?
- Ingredients like vitamin D3, glycerin, lecithin, and natural flavors can be animal- or plant-derived. The label rarely says which. We tell you how to confirm with the manufacturer in one email.
- What about palm oil?
- Palm oil is technically vegan but raises ethical concerns for many readers. We flag it explicitly and link to RSPO-certified alternatives where available.
- Do you cover honey and bee products?
- Yes. By the standard vegan definition (Vegan Society), honey, propolis, royal jelly, and beeswax are not vegan. We mark products containing them clearly.