Learn how to decode vegan labels with this comprehensive guide for beginners. Understand the meanings behind common labels and make informed choices.

Decoding Vegan Labels: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Understanding the Meanings Behind Common Vegan Labels

What are Vegan Labels?

Why Understanding Vegan Labels is Important

Common Vegan Labels and Their Meanings

Certifications to Look for on Vegan Labels

Certification Bodies

Vegan Food Certifications

Vegan Beauty Certifications

How to Spot Non-Vegan Ingredients on Labels

Common Non-Vegan Ingredients

Hidden Non-Vegan Ingredients

Vegan Labeling Laws

International Vegan Labeling Laws

Regional Vegan Labeling Laws

Vegan Labeling Controversies

Greenwashing

Misleading Labels

Resources for Decoding Vegan Labels

Apps

Websites and Organizations

Making Informed Choices

Tips for Making Informed Choices

For vegans, understanding the meanings behind vegan labels is extremely important. Veganism is a lifestyle that avoids any form of animal exploitation, and consuming products that contain animal-derived ingredients or that are tested on animals goes against this principle. By understanding vegan labels, vegans can ensure that the products they consume align with their values and beliefs.

Ensuring Vegan Lifestyle

Moreover, understanding vegan labels can help vegans avoid unwanted ingredients that may have negative health impacts or that they simply do not wish to consume. For example, some vegans may avoid palm oil due to its environmental impact, and understanding labels allows them to make informed choices.

Avoiding Unwanted Ingredients

The most common vegan label is simply 'vegan.' This label indicates that the product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients and has not been tested on animals. It is important to note that some products may not be labeled as vegan but are still suitable for vegans, such as plain rice or pasta.

Vegan Label

A vegetarian label indicates that the product does not contain meat or fish, but may still contain other animal-derived ingredients such as dairy or eggs.

Vegetarian Label

A cruelty-free label indicates that the product has not been tested on animals. However, it is important to note that a cruelty-free product may still contain animal-derived ingredients, so it is important to also look for a vegan label.

Cruelty-Free Label

A plant-based label indicates that the product is made from plants and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, it may not necessarily be vegan, as it could still contain honey or other animal byproducts.

Plant-Based Label

The Vegan Society is one of the oldest organizations that certify vegan products. Their certification signifies that a product is free from animal ingredients, has not been tested on animals, and is free from cross-contamination with animal products during the manufacturing process.

The Vegan Society

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) also provides certification for vegan products. Their certification, called PETA-Approved Vegan, signifies that a product is free from animal ingredients, has not been tested on animals, and is also free from animal-derived additives such as beeswax or lanolin.

PETA

Vegan Action is a non-profit organization that provides certification for vegan food products. Their certification signifies that a product is free from animal ingredients and has not been tested on animals. They also require that the manufacturing process does not involve any animal-derived additives such as gelatin or casein.

Vegan Action Certified

Certified Vegan is a certification program created by the Vegan Awareness Foundation. Their certification signifies that a product is free from animal ingredients, has not been tested on animals, and does not involve any animal-derived additives such as honey or whey.

Certified Vegan

The Leaping Bunny certification is provided by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). Their certification signifies that a product has not been tested on animals at any stage of the manufacturing process, and that the product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Leaping Bunny

The Vegan Society also provides certification for vegan beauty products. Their certification signifies that a product is free from animal ingredients, has not been tested on animals, and does not involve any animal-derived additives such as beeswax or lanolin.

Vegan Society

Gelatin is a common non-vegan ingredient derived from animal collagen, often obtained from bones, skin, and connective tissue of cows, pigs, and fish. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in food, such as jelly, marshmallows, and gummy candies.

Gelatin

Casein is a protein found in milk, and is commonly used in processed foods, such as cheese, yogurt, and some protein powders. It is a non-vegan ingredient, as it is derived from animal milk.

Casein

Carmine is a red pigment derived from crushed cochineal insects. It is commonly used as a food coloring in products such as candies, yogurt, and juice.

Carmine

Honey is a sweetener produced by bees, and is not considered vegan as it is an animal product.

Honey

Whey protein is a common ingredient in protein powders and supplements, but it is derived from milk and therefore not vegan. Look out for other milk-derived ingredients such as casein and lactose as well.

Whey Protein

Lard is a non-vegan ingredient derived from pig fat. It is often used in baked goods and fried foods, but it can be listed on ingredient labels as 'rendered pork fat.'

Lard

Glycerin can be derived from animal fat, but it can also be plant-derived. It is commonly used in personal care products such as soap and moisturizers.

Glycerin

The European Union's Vegan Trademark is a certification that indicates a product is vegan and meets specific standards. To use the trademark, a product must not contain any animal products or byproducts, and no testing on animals can be done during any stage of production. The trademark is recognized throughout the European Union.

European Union's Vegan Trademark

The US's Vegan Labeling Act is a federal law that requires food manufacturers to clearly label any product containing animal products or byproducts. The law does not apply to non-food products, such as cosmetics or clothing.

US's Vegan Labeling Act

California's Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act requires that any cosmetic sold in California must not be tested on animals. The law also prohibits the sale of cosmetics that contain ingredients tested on animals after a certain date.

California's Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act

Taiwan's Vegan Labeling Act requires that any food or non-food product labeled as 'vegan' must meet specific standards and be verified by a third-party certification body. The law also prohibits the use of certain animal products in products labeled as 'vegan,' such as shark fin and rhinoceros horn.

Taiwan's Vegan Labeling Act

Greenwashing is a marketing tactic that involves companies making false or misleading claims about the environmental benefits of their products or services. The term was coined in the 1980s by environmental activist Jay Westerveld and has since become a common practice among companies trying to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

What is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing can also apply to vegan labeling, where companies may use terms like 'vegan-friendly' or 'plant-based' to give the impression that their products are more environmentally friendly than they actually are. For example, a product may be labeled as vegan but still contain harmful chemicals or be packaged in non-recyclable materials.

How Does Greenwashing Apply to Vegan Labeling?

There are several examples of misleading vegan labels, such as products labeled as 'vegan' but still containing animal-derived ingredients. Some companies may also use terms like 'cruelty-free' or 'not tested on animals' to imply that their products are vegan, even if they contain animal-derived ingredients. Another example is when a product is labeled as 'vegan' but is still produced using animal-derived fertilizers or pesticides.

Examples of Misleading Vegan Labels

These examples highlight the importance of reading labels carefully and not assuming that a product is vegan just because it is labeled as such. It is also important to look out for certifications from trusted organizations that verify a product's vegan status, rather than relying solely on a company's own labeling practices.

The Importance of Reading Labels Carefully

This app allows users to scan barcodes and instantly determine if a product is vegan or not. It also gives a detailed breakdown of any non-vegan ingredients found in the product. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Is It Vegan?

This app also allows users to scan barcodes and identify whether a product is vegan or vegetarian. It also has a feature for searching for specific products and brands. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Animal-Free

This app is specifically for finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants and stores in your area. It also includes reviews and ratings from other users. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.

HappyCow

The Vegan Society is a UK-based organization that provides information and resources about veganism, including a detailed breakdown of vegan labeling and certification. They also offer a vegan certification program for businesses.

PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is an international animal rights organization that promotes veganism and offers information and resources about vegan labeling and certification. They also have a list of companies that are certified by their Beauty Without Bunnies program.

Barnivore is a website and app that provides a database of vegan and vegetarian-friendly alcoholic beverages. They also have a feature for searching for specific products and brands.

Barnivore

One of the most important tips for making informed choices when it comes to purchasing vegan products is to read labels carefully. Look for clear and concise labeling that specifies that the product is vegan or plant-based.

Read Labels Carefully

Researching the brands and companies behind the products you intend to buy is also a key way to make informed choices. Look for brands and companies with strong ethical and sustainability values, as well as transparency around their ingredients and manufacturing processes.

Research Brands and Companies

Be wary of marketing claims that are not backed up by clear labeling or certifications. Terms like 'natural' or 'organic' do not necessarily mean that a product is vegan, so always check the label and do your research.

Be Wary of Marketing Claims

Stay up-to-date on vegan labeling laws in your region and around the world, as they can vary significantly. This will help you make informed choices and avoid products that may be mislabeled or contain hidden animal-derived ingredients.

Stay Up-to-Date on Vegan Labeling Laws

Discover the ultimate guide for dining out as a vegan in non-vegan restaurants. Learn tips on how to find vegan options, communicate with the staff, and enjoy your meal!