Having the BioDizionario at your fingertips simplifies the process of reading and understanding food product labels.
Deciphering food labels is more than just a skill; it’s a necessity. With an ever-increasing variety of products filling supermarket shelves, identifying those that are genuinely vegan can seem daunting. However, there’s no need to worry! This guide will give you all the tools you need to confidently and knowledgeably sift through labels.
Understanding packaging: certifications and label claims
First, let’s take a closer look at the product’s packaging. Certifications such as VEGANOK are reliable indicators that a product is entirely vegan. Similarly, labels stating “100% vegetable” may offer some initial reassurance about its composition. These certifications and claims result from specific checks and standards that ensure the absence of animal-derived ingredients.
Beware of “Vegetarian”, “Vegetable” or “Plant-Based” claims
When it comes to selecting vegan products, it is crucial to pay special attention not only to labels that indicate a product as “vegetarian” but also to those that may be misleading, such as “vegetable” or “plant-based.” The wording “vegetarian” doesn’t automatically guarantee suitability for vegans, as such products may still contain milk, dairy products, eggs or honey.
Likewise, terms like “vegetable” or “plant-based” don’t necessarily exclude the presence of animal-derived ingredients. Therefore, a detailed evaluation of these terms is necessary to ensure that products fully meet the criteria of a vegan diet, avoiding any animal-derived components.
“May contain traces of…”: is the product vegan?
A phrase often encountered by vegan consumers on product labels is “may contain traces of [allergen].” This doesn’t mean the allergen, such as milk or eggs, is an intentional ingredient, but rather, it indicates potential cross-contamination during the production process.
This warning is especially vital for those with severe allergies. But how should vegans interpret it? Here’s an explanation:
Cross-contamination vs. Intentional ingredients
Cross-contamination can occur in many production contexts, especially in factories where both animal and plant products are processed. However, the presence of this warning does not exclude a product from the vegan category. That is because these allergens are not part of the product’s original recipe but might be present as unintentional residues. Therefore, a product that has a vegan list of ingredients but contains traces of milk should be considered suitable for vegans.
Examine the list of ingredients
When it comes to determining whether a product is truly vegan, the list of ingredients is the battleground where the truth is played out. This list, often in long, fine print, requires careful and conscious reading. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity, from the most abundant to the least present. This is why it is essential to be aware of common non-vegan ingredients and to be able to identify them.
Hidden non-vegan ingredients
Several animal-derived ingredients might not be immediately recognizable.
Here are a few examples:
- Casein and Lactose: are milk proteins and sugars commonly found in dairy products.
- Albumin: found in eggs, often used in baking and some kinds of pasta.
- Gelatin: derived from the processing of animal bones and connective tissues, it is a common thickening agent in jellies, candies, and some desserts.
- E120 or Cochineal: a red dye from insects used for coloring in various foods and drinks.
- Stearic Acid: often animal-derived, used in many food and cosmetic products.
In addition to these, there are ingredients whose origin can be either animal or vegetable.
Examples include:
- Glycerin: can be derived from animal or vegetable fats.
- Diglycerides of fatty acids: are emulsifiers commonly used in the food industry and can be derived from either animal or vegetable sources. In many food products, diglycerides of fatty acids are added to improve texture or to keep ingredients well mixed. For vegan consumers, the challenge lies in determining the source of these ingredients, which isn’t always clear unless it is specified on the packaging or through vegan certification. Therefore, products containing these ingredients might require further investigation or direct inquiries to the manufacturer to ascertain their origin.
Cross-checking and active search
Cross-checking ingredients becomes a crucial strategy in the quest for genuinely vegan products. Here, resources like the BioDizionario play a key role. The BioDizionario is not only a website but also a handy app that we can carry with us at all times, especially when shopping at the supermarket.
BioDizionario: a reliable guide in your pocket
The BioDizionario excels in decoding and clarifying the ingredients found on food and cosmetic labels. Its user-friendly interface allows for quick searches, providing insights into obscure or complex ingredients’ origins and potential ethical implications.
How the BioDizionario works
Using the BioDizionario is easy: simply enter an ingredient’s name in the app or on the website to receive detailed information on its origin and whether it contains animal components. It also evaluates the safety and environmental impact of ingredients, thus providing a comprehensive guide for more informed choices.
Why use the BioDizionario
For vegan consumers, the BioDizionario offers two major benefits:
- Clarity on ingredient origins: it helps determine whether an ingredient is of animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, thus facilitating the choice of products that align with vegan principles.
- Knowledge and awareness: it provides a deeper understanding of ingredients, fostering greater awareness of the products we use on a daily basis and their impact.
The key to a conscious vegan choice
Ultimately, being vegan goes beyond a diet: it is a choice of awareness and responsibility. With the right tools like the BioDizionario and a clear understanding of labels, we can make food and cosmetic choices that reflect our ethical and environmental values. Each carefully chosen product brings us closer to a more sustainable future. So, armed with this knowledge, we can make a difference, one product at a time.
