5 Foods You Think Are Vegan… But Aren’t (Hidden Animal Ingredients to Watch For)

Eating a vegan or plant-forward diet can feel simple at first glance—avoid meat, dairy, eggs, and fish, and you’re set, right?

Not always. Many everyday foods contain hidden animal-derived ingredients that aren’t obvious unless you know where to look.

From coffee creamers to veggie burgers to even some wines, animal products can sneak into places you wouldn’t expect. Knowing what to watch for not only helps you stay aligned with your values but also empowers you to make informed, compassionate, sustainable choices.

Let’s break down five foods you think are vegan … but aren’t—and easy swaps you can enjoy instead.

5 Foods You Think Are Vegan… But Aren’t

1. Honey

Honey is one of the most debated foods in the vegan world. While some argue that bees can produce more honey than they need, the truth is that honey exists for bees—not for humans. Bees rely on their honey for energy, immune support, and survival.

Commercial honey production often involves practices like:

• Selective breeding (which reduces biodiversity)

• Over-harvesting

• Replacing honey with sugar water, which lacks nutrients

• Practices that contribute to colony stress and decline

If you love supporting pollinators and the environment, try these vegan alternatives:

• Maple syrup

• Date syrup

• Agave nectar

• Bee-free honey (made from apples)

2. Veggie Burgers (Not Always Vegan!)

Veggie burgers aren’t automatically vegan. Many packaged or restaurant versions contain:

• Eggs (as a binder)

• Cheese

• Whey or casein

• Milk powder

The good news? There are tons of delicious vegan options at most grocery stores. Or make your own! Homemade veggie burgers freeze beautifully with parchment paper between each patty, and they tend to be more nutrient-dense than many store-bought versions.

3. “Non-Dairy” Coffee Creamers

Here’s a surprising one: “Non-dairy” doesn’t always mean dairy-free. In fact, many non-dairy creamers contain casein, a milk protein. Legally, products can still be labeled “non-dairy” even when they contain casein.

Look for products labeled:

• Vegan

• Dairy-free

• Plant-based

Better yet, use options like:

• Homemade almond, hazelnut, cashew, or oat milk

• Unsweetened soy or hemp milk

4. Candy

Many candies contain animal-derived ingredients such as:

• Gelatin (from bones, used as a thickener)

• Shellac (from bugs, used as a shiny coating)

• Carmine (a red dye made from crushed beetles)

These ingredients show up in gummies, marshmallows, fruit snacks, sprinkles, and more. Always check labels, especially on brightly colored or glossy treats.

Vegan swaps include candies made with:

• Pectin

• Agar agar

• Fruit purées

• Vegetable-based colorants

5. Beer & Wine

This one surprises a lot of people! Some beer and wine are clarified using:

• Egg whites

• Casein

• Gelatin

• Isinglass (from fish bladders)

These ingredients aren’t usually listed on labels, so it’s tough to know unless you check beforehand.

Thankfully, there are lots of vegan-friendly brands now. Websites like Barnivore maintain up-to-date lists of vegan wines, beers, and spirits, making it easy to choose animal-friendly options.

Be Gentle on Yourself and Know It's a Journey

Eating plant-based becomes much easier when you know where sneaky ingredients can hide. While many foods appear vegan at first glance, a quick scan of the ingredient label—or a little research—can make all the difference in staying aligned with your values.

The bottom line? Be curious, read labels, and stay informed. 

Today’s food landscape is constantly evolving, and there are more vegan alternatives than ever before. With just a bit of awareness, you can enjoy delicious, fully plant-based foods without compromise.

If you want help spotting hidden ingredients or choosing healthier plant-based swaps, I’m always here to support you!

My name is Margaret Peterson, and I am in the nutrition coordinated program at Georgia State University. I am earning a Master’s degree in Health Science, and completing supervised practice hours to become a Registered Dietitian. In my free time, I enjoy working out, going to concerts, and trying new spots around Atlanta. My goal is to start private practice when I finish my program, but I also have an interest in working in a clinical setting. I chose to pursue a career in nutrition because I believe the foundation of a healthy life starts with the diet. My goal is to help people find the best diet for them individually, in order to feel comfortable and confident with the nutrition aspect of overall wellness.