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Never take a “Vegan” label at face value

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In the initial years of going vegan, I’d look at a vegan label with excitement. Now the first reaction I have when someone claims their product is vegan is deep, deep suspicion. Oh the number of times I’ve heard the word “vegan” being thrown around without meaning! *eyeroll*

Someone says their product is vegan/plant-based.
But you see any of these in the ingredients list… Casein/Caseinate (dairy), Whey Protein (dairy), Carmine/Cochineal (crushed bugs), Honey (bee puke)
What should you do?
Tell them to SHOVE IT where the sun don’t shine. And walk the hell away.
Never take a Vegan label at face value. Know your ingredients. Check the ingredients. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

Mis-labelling and false claims could happen for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it’s because the brand hasn’t bothered to do its research, or is being willfully careless/untruthful.

At other times it’s a simple, innocent lack of awareness that they’ve used an animal derived ingredient in their so called “vegan” product. But that’s no excuse. It’s their responsibility to be diligent before making claims.

Either way, if you want to be vegan, then understand ingredients. And always, always check the label (or ask for the contents if there isn’t a printed ingredients list available). It has to become second nature to you.

I’d say this is a good habit to inculcate even if you’re not vegan. You won’t believe the kind of crap that gets snuck into our foods! I mean, do you want to unwittingly be eating crushed bugs?! 😝

Related Links:

Things to avoid as a vegan
Vegan ingredient checker
Want to make your menu vegan friendly? These 7 tips will help you get started
21 Day Course: Your vegan journey can be incredibly delightful

Susmitha Veganosaurus

Shorth haired Indian lady, beaming a wide smile. Flowers in the background. Vegan business coach and chef Susmitha Veganosaurus

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