Being a diehard vegetarian is easy, right? as all you get to eat is plant-based food. However, some popular foods look vegetarian but in reality, they are non-vegetarian.

We bring to you a list of such foods that are commonly misunderstood to be vegetarian but can have some meat-derived ingredients. Occasionally, to get the right texture or look, animal products are used where you least expect them. You might not even bother checking the labels of these foods if they’re masquerading as something typically vegetarian-friendly. But never fear, normally there are vegetarian alternatives for every crafty non-veggie product.

We bring to you a list of such foods that are commonly misunderstood to be vegetarian but can have some meat-derived ingredients.

Cheeses

Don’t panic just yet! This isn’t always the case but certain cheeses contain rennet (taken from calves’ stomachs) to aid in coagulation. However, there are plenty of veggie cheeses without this unwelcome addition. Check the labels in health food shops and supermarkets to be sure. Common offenders include Parmesan, Gorgonzola, and Grana Padano, which is made using the traditional method must contain rennet.

Mousses

Even creamy, chocolate mousse isn’t safe from secret meat products. Most supermarket mousses contain gelatine to help the setting process. However, it’s seriously easy to avoid this unexpected add-on, if the mousse is whipped thoroughly and chilled adequately in the fridge. Ingredients such as double cream and egg whites can create that moussey texture.

Marshmallows

A lot of marshmallows contain gelatine to set them and give them that characteristic ‘wobble’. It’s always best to check packets when purchasing marshmallows as more often than not, they’ll be non-vegetarian. A lot of marshmallows contain gelatine to set them and give them that characteristic ‘wobble’. It’s always best to check packets when purchasing marshmallows as more often than not, they’ll be non-vegetarian.

White Sugar

Refined white sugar is bleached in a process that entails running the sugar through bone char, mostly in the US. Some companies in the US also use this process to manufacture brown sugar.

Cheesecakes

Most cheesecakes contain gelatin as a setting agent. If not gelatin, they might also include eggs. So you should check the ingredients properly if you want to eat vegetarian.

Mints and chewing gums

Some peppermints contain beef gelatine, while some chewing gums may contain ingredients derived from animal fats such as glycerine.

Many people who choose to eat vegan or vegetarian are doing so for health or personal ethical issues. So it’s shocking that food manufacturers often sneak animal parts into foods that the average herbivore thinks will fit in with his or her vegetarian lifestyle.