Careful-shopper list
Might be secretly animal-based
Additives that come from animals, or might, depending on the maker.
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Carmine (Cochineal) E120Carmine (E120) is a red dye made from crushed insects. It's not vegan, vegetarian or kosher, and halal status is disputed. It can cause rare severe allergies.Use in moderationDisodium Guanylate E627Disodium guanylate (E627) is a savory booster used with MSG. It's usually made from yeast, but can come from fish, so check for a vegan label.Generally safeDisodium Inosinate E631Disodium inosinate (E631) boosts savory flavor, usually alongside MSG. It's often made by fermentation but can come from meat or fish, so it's only reliably vegan when labeled.Generally safeGelatinGelatin is made from pig, cow or fish parts, so it is never vegan. It's only halal or kosher when certified, because most unlabeled gelatin comes from pork.Generally safeL-Cysteine E920L-cysteine (E920) softens dough in bagels and pizza crust. It's often made from duck feathers or pig hair, so it's only reliably vegan or halal when certified.Use in moderationMono- and Diglycerides E471Mono- and diglycerides (E471) are emulsifiers that can be made from plants or from pork or beef fat. They're only vegan, halal or kosher when the product is certified.Use in moderationPolysorbate 80 E433Polysorbate 80 (E433) is a lab-made emulsifier in ice cream and sauces. Mouse studies linked it to gut inflammation, and its vegan status depends on the fat source.Use in moderationShellac (Confectioner's Glaze) E904Confectioner's glaze is shellac (E904), a resin made by lac insects. It's not vegan, and halal and kosher acceptance varies by certifier.Generally safe