By Abhay Ray 
Introduction
In the world of food, appearances can be deceiving. Many of the items we assume are plant-based or vegetarian might actually contain non-vegetarian ingredients. Whether you’re a strict vegetarian or just trying to be mindful of what goes into your food, it’s crucial to stay informed. In this world of contamination and adulteration you can hardly expect anything pure. You will be surprised to know that the most nutritious orange juice is actually non-vegetarian.
Read to know these daily food items that are commonly found in every vegetarian household are actually non-vegetarian in nature. Here are 7 “veg” items that are actually non-veg :
- Naan
Dear vegetarians, you will be surprised to know that the star of every outdoor meal –Naan, is actually not vegetarian. All the authentic naan recipes use egg while kneading the dough, as it helps in keeping the dough soft and elastic. However, this technique is not used everywhere, so all you need to do is to check with the chef and place the order accordingly.
- Orange Juice
Orange juice contains vitamins and minerals that keep heart healthy. But this healthy drink might not be suitable for vegetarians because it contains added omega-3 fatty acids which come from fish oils. The abundant vitamin D in the juice is derived from lanolin, a natural oil found in the fibre of sheep’s wool. However, this does not apply to all packed orange juices.
- Cheese
Life just feels incomplete without a pizza, doesn’t it? Indians have taken to cheese like a fish to water and we now add cheese to each and every recipe! So you have cheese pav-bhaji, cheese poha, cheese rajma, cheese dosa and even cheese paratha! But did you know that the cheese you love might contain rennet, which is an enzymes derived from animal guts. And for the love of humanity, we shall not get into how the enzymes are extracted. Unfortunately for you, the cheese packets do not list the actual enzyme used but just a generic “enzyme”. We leave it to you to keep guessing the actual ingredients!
- White Sugar
White sugar, also called table sugar, granulated sugar, or regular sugar, is a commonly used type of sugar, made either of beet sugar or cane sugar, which has undergone a refining process. It is nearly pure sucrose. Honey has always been considered and recommended as a healthier sweetening agent and it is less adulterated but sugar processing is not vegetarian at all. Sugar is not white naturally and is in fact artificially polished with bone char. Even the brown sugar and confectionary sugar are treated with the same element also called ‘natural carbon’.So you may want to do a deep study on what you have been adding to your tea and sweet dish if you are pure veg.
- Jelly
The very sight of these delectable gummy bears has left you craving one. Admit it! But before you give in and indulge, read this. We all know what is the main ingredient of jelly. That’s right! Gelatin. And gelatin is an animal derivative. However, in recent times, gelatin is being replaced by starch or other similar food products and chemicals so you might just be safe. Gelatin is a common ingredient in many food products like gummy bears, marshmallows, and some yogurts. However, it is derived from animal collagen, usually from cows or pigs. This makes gelatin a non-vegetarian item, and it’s best to avoid it if you follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
- Doughnut
Who doesn’t love a colourful doughnut? If you are also a doughnut lover, then you must know that the dough is conditioned with an enzyme called L. Cysteine, which often comes from duck feathers and pig trotter. However, not all doughnuts are made with this enzyme. The safest way out is to buy unrefined sugar or stick to brown jaggery.
- Beer/Wine
I never would have guessed that beer or wine wouldn’t be vegetarian, but some is made using isinglass, which comes from fish. Producing beer primarily includes hops, yeast, grain, and water. But some beer brands use isinglass, a gelatine extracted from fish. Fish bladders are dried and processed for flocculation and isinglass to make this drink clear and bright. So, the next time you visit a brewery, ask the producers if they use isinglass to make their beer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many foods labeled as vegetarian may contain hidden non-veg ingredients, such as animal-derived gelatin, rennet, or flavorings. To avoid unintentionally consuming non-vegetarian products, it’s essential to be vigilant when checking food labels and asking about ingredients at restaurants or when purchasing processed foods. Opting for certified vegetarian or vegan products is a safe approach. Awareness of common animal-based additives can help ensure a truly vegetarian diet. By making informed choices and being proactive, individuals can confidently maintain their commitment to vegetarianism while avoiding unexpected non-veg ingredients in their food.
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