When it comes to food, the world population is mainly divided into two categories, that is Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian. However, if you pay close attention, in today’s world, the lines between these two categories have become quite blurred. In reality, quite a few delicacies that are usually deemed to be vegetarian have the presence of non-vegetarian elements in them.
Here is the list of a few such foods, which as per textbook recipe are generally having non-vegetarian elements in them:
1Naan
Well, all naans do not fall into this category, but most authentic naan recipes add eggs while kneading the dough. Eggs provide more elasticity to the bread and make it soft. So friends, if you are a strict vegetarian then please check before ordering this item in any restaurant.
2 Cheese
We Indians have taken to using cheese in our dishes to make them A NOTCH YUMMIER. You have cheese dosa, cheese poha, cheese Maggi, cheese pav bhaji, cheese vada pav and cheese paratha. But, do you know that cheese contains a substance called “Rennet”, which is an enzyme which is derived from animal guts. Of course, not all of you be aware of this, owing to the fact that the cheese packets do not mention the actual name of the enzyme used.
3 Oils
The so-called heart-friendly oils have Omega-3 acids, but the ones that are advertised as good for your health apparently contain fish oil. Some even have Vitamin D which is extracted from Lanolin, procured from sheep. So next someone recommends you use heart-friendly oil, and if you are vegetarian, please confirm the ingredients that go into making of heart-friendly oil.
Beer
Here is a creepy truth behind its making- most beer brewers make use of an ingredient called “ isinglass” to clarify their beers and give it a golden colour. And this ingredient is another name for a fish bladder.
5 White Sugar
We have come to identify sugar with its pure white crystals. But, did you know that to obtain that pristine white colour sugar goes through a cleansing process? And natural carbon is one of the main components of this process. If you are wondering where this natural carbon comes from-the answer is charred animal bones. So if you are a strict vegetarian then please switch over to brown sugar or unrefined sugar.
6 Red Candies
They are a such drool-worthy colourful treats. Researcher says that red candies or other similar products get their colour from food dyes. And these dyes, some of these, come from worms and insects. The dye is said to be extracted from female Dactylopius coccus costa.
7 Doughnuts
Another sweet treat which you thought was vegetarian, but isn’t. If you are a hardcore vegetarian, please remember that this food item contains an enzyme called L Cysteine, which is used for conditioning the dough and is made from duck feathers and pig trotters.
8 Chewing Gums
We eat them to look cool or stop ourselves from binge eating junk. However, these yummy gums contain gelatin, which is derived from the skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments of cows and pigs. So if you are a strict vegetarian, please take care.
Other common foods which may contain non-vegetarian elements in them are- most salad dressings contain eggs in them. The whey powder used in some chocolates has an enzyme called “rennet”, which is extracted from cow’s stomach after it is slaughtered.
It is very sad that so-called manufacturers of these items take vegetarians for granted, and they do not disclose these facts clearly on the labels. The details of the ingredients are given in a very vague form.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
28th February 2023