Surprising Foods You Think Are Vegan But Aren't

Veganism is a type of vegetarian diet, which excludes meat, eggs, dairy products and all other animal-derived ingredients from meals. This diet trend has become increasingly widespread and raises people's awareness about health, climate change, animal welfare.

What does a vegan eat? This is perhaps the most common question about veganism. Some of the foods vegans will surprise you.

1. Apple juice

Some apple juices are clarified using fish bladders in the production process. Therefore, before you take a sip of apple juice, make sure the brand the beverage that you drink  is 100% vegan and avoid any isinglass ingredient.

2. Bagels

As Holland & Barrett's senior nutritionist, Donia Hilal:

Check out the brands using synthetic L-cysteine which is suitable for vegan.

3. Beer

Some brands also add isinglass when producing beer and wine. This gelatin-based substance derived from fish bladders makes final product purer and vibrant. Since those ingredients aren't listed on wines and beers, you should ask a store employee or contact the brand if you have questions.

4. Crisps

You might expect crisps. However, vegetarians presently have to contend with animal fat or meat extracts as part of the flavoring. This goes for even varieties like tomato ketchup or BBQ that sound ‘safe’.

5. Figs

Many minds might be blown away by this fact. For a fig to be edible, they have to have at least one dead female wasp stuck inside. But as the female wasp dies inside, an enzyme from the fruit breaks down the body into protein.

6. White sugar

Manufacturers sometimes lighten sugar with bone char, made from the bones of cattle to make it whiter and achieve its desirable white colour. Organic sugar, agave nectar or evaporated cane juice are vegan alternatives.