We were out shopping recently and stopped in at the closest coffee shop to grab some much needed java. The closest place available was Starbucks, so in we went. Olive is quite partial to yummy holiday flavors of any kind. She inquired about the Caramel Brule Latte to see if when ordered with soy milk it was vegan friendly. We shockingly found out that the holiday flavors as well as some others were pre-made with milk products. The Starbucks associate was very knowledgeable and said that the classic syrups are dairy free. He made a creation with the classic syrups to imitate the holiday flavour and it was great! Just in case you are curious the beverage know for sure that are not vegan friendly even when ordered with soy milk are: Caramel Brule Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, White Chocolate Mocha, and Peppermint Latte, so avoid these.
This latest experience led us to ask what other items might surprisingly not be vegan. Over the last few months we have uncovered quite a few things that surprised us but we decided to do some research of our own and see what else we may uncover.
Before we get to the list that we have compiled we both agree that it is important to mention we don’t want this list to scare you away. When veganism was first introduced to us we both felt it seemed too extreme. I think part of the reason for this was that the individuals we had met were all or nothing. There was no room for learning or a grey area and we have discovered it is next to impossible to live in our modern society and not use something that contains animal products without becoming a hermit.
Our view on being vegan is simple, avoid as many animal products as you possibly can and minimize your impact on the earth and our animal friends. Unfortunately there are things that we have been unable to avoid. For example we both drive or take public transit and there are animal products in the tires of cars and bikes but we have not found a way to avoid this yet. However, we are aware of it and whenever possible will choose to walk. If ever we find a good alternative you bet we will be some of the first to jump for it.
If your thinking about becoming a vegan, we recommend starting off slowly by replacing your products as you run out of them, otherwise it can be a very expensive and overwhelming endeavour. This is also a great way to ease your family and friends into your lifestyle change. So without further ado here is our list of things that are surprisingly NOT vegan:
· Plastic grocery bags (a form of animal fat is used to prevent them from not sticking together)
· Gel cap medications (gelatin is used which is derived from the bones of animals)
· Cigarettes (…okay I know you shouldn’t have these anyway but this is shocking, some brands use PIGS BLOOD! Eeew as if cancer wasn’t enough, QUIT NOW!!)
· Dryer sheets (some contain animal fat)
· Laundry soap (some contain animal fat)
· Fabric Softener (some contain animal fat)
· Dish soap (some contain animal fat)
· Some cleaning supplies (some contain animal fat)
· Refried beans (most contain lard)
· Starbucks holiday beverages even when ordered with soy milk (see above)
· Orange Juice (most contain fish oil)
· Some bagels (Bird feathers are used as a dough conditioner, weird eh?)
· Some brands of packaged nuts (coated in gelatin)
· Worcestershire sauce (contain anchovies…don’t worry there are Vegan versions too)
· Soy Cheese (some brands contain Casein which is a milk derivative so read the labels)
· Caesar salad, antipasto and some tapenade’s (contain anchovies)
· Enriched Breads (usually contain fish oils)
· Vegetarian Ethnic foods like Thai (often contain fish sauce so talk to your server)
· Some wines and beers (use fish bladders during the filtering process)
· Some white and brown sugars (use bone char during filtering process) *Redpath sugar in Canada is safe.
· White Vinegar (use bone char during filtering process)
· Sun blocks (beeswax and other less then desirable products)
· Floss (coated with beeswax)
· Toothpaste
· Some brands of contact lenses and solutions (Alcon seems to be the only umbrella company that is free of animal products)
· Condoms (casein, milk derivative)
· Personal lubrications
· Bedroom toys
We know this list may seem overwhelming but as we’ve said before take one step at a time and do your own research too. Don’t despair Vegan replacements are available for all of these items! A lot of them can be found at your local health food store or sometimes even regular grocery stores. Below are some links you may find helpful:
Vegan Wine and Beer Guide
The Vegan Sex Shop
Vegan Essentials
Vegan Alcohol
Vegan for Beginners
Here’s to getting Vegucated,
Olive and Button
Before we get to the list that we have compiled we both agree that it is important to mention we don’t want this list to scare you away. When veganism was first introduced to us we both felt it seemed too extreme. I think part of the reason for this was that the individuals we had met were all or nothing. There was no room for learning or a grey area and we have discovered it is next to impossible to live in our modern society and not use something that contains animal products without becoming a hermit.
Our view on being vegan is simple, avoid as many animal products as you possibly can and minimize your impact on the earth and our animal friends. Unfortunately there are things that we have been unable to avoid. For example we both drive or take public transit and there are animal products in the tires of cars and bikes but we have not found a way to avoid this yet. However, we are aware of it and whenever possible will choose to walk. If ever we find a good alternative you bet we will be some of the first to jump for it.
If your thinking about becoming a vegan, we recommend starting off slowly by replacing your products as you run out of them, otherwise it can be a very expensive and overwhelming endeavour. This is also a great way to ease your family and friends into your lifestyle change. So without further ado here is our list of things that are surprisingly NOT vegan:
· Plastic grocery bags (a form of animal fat is used to prevent them from not sticking together)
· Gel cap medications (gelatin is used which is derived from the bones of animals)
· Cigarettes (…okay I know you shouldn’t have these anyway but this is shocking, some brands use PIGS BLOOD! Eeew as if cancer wasn’t enough, QUIT NOW!!)
· Dryer sheets (some contain animal fat)
· Laundry soap (some contain animal fat)
· Fabric Softener (some contain animal fat)
· Dish soap (some contain animal fat)
· Some cleaning supplies (some contain animal fat)
· Refried beans (most contain lard)
· Starbucks holiday beverages even when ordered with soy milk (see above)
· Orange Juice (most contain fish oil)
· Some bagels (Bird feathers are used as a dough conditioner, weird eh?)
· Some brands of packaged nuts (coated in gelatin)
· Worcestershire sauce (contain anchovies…don’t worry there are Vegan versions too)
· Soy Cheese (some brands contain Casein which is a milk derivative so read the labels)
· Caesar salad, antipasto and some tapenade’s (contain anchovies)
· Enriched Breads (usually contain fish oils)
· Vegetarian Ethnic foods like Thai (often contain fish sauce so talk to your server)
· Some wines and beers (use fish bladders during the filtering process)
· Some white and brown sugars (use bone char during filtering process) *Redpath sugar in Canada is safe.
· White Vinegar (use bone char during filtering process)
· Sun blocks (beeswax and other less then desirable products)
· Floss (coated with beeswax)
· Toothpaste
· Some brands of contact lenses and solutions (Alcon seems to be the only umbrella company that is free of animal products)
· Condoms (casein, milk derivative)
· Personal lubrications
· Bedroom toys
We know this list may seem overwhelming but as we’ve said before take one step at a time and do your own research too. Don’t despair Vegan replacements are available for all of these items! A lot of them can be found at your local health food store or sometimes even regular grocery stores. Below are some links you may find helpful:
Vegan Wine and Beer Guide
The Vegan Sex Shop
Vegan Essentials
Vegan Alcohol
Vegan for Beginners
Here’s to getting Vegucated,
Olive and Button
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