By Krati Purwar
August 12, 2025
How many of you think that fig, your Bone China plates, crockery, or your favourite Parmesan are vegan or vegetarian? You will be surprised to know that they are not. Spoiler alert! This story might make you go on a shopping spree to give your pantry and crockery a makeover. Read it at your own risk.
The red food colour added to candies, juices, and yoghurt does not come from a natural source. It is prepared by crushing the shells of cochineal insects.
Your favourite Bone China crockery might contain bone ash. It adds a specific finish, shine, whiteness, and translucency that make it look attractive.
It is believed that some sugar companies in the US add bone char to the refined sugar for that extra white appearance.
Did you know that figs might contain the enzymes from the dead bodies of wasps that decompose inside the fruit? It is true! But some farmers spray hormones to ripen the fruit.
Your favourite Parmesan cheese might not be a vegetarian ingredient in your pantry. It contains animal rennet. Hence, your pesto and other dishes made from it are also not vegan.
Despite what you may say, your favourite wine and beer are not vegetarian because they contain animal products that help to add finesse and remove cloudiness.
Unless the brand calls them vegan, gummies are not plant-based products. They have gelatin, which is a protein derived from bones, skin, and connective tissue of animals.