How to Read a Food Label When You’re Vegan

Read the ingredient list first

Milk, whey, casein, eggs, gelatin, honey, fish sauce, anchovy, and shellac are straightforward red flags. Natural flavors and some additives can require brand-specific confirmation.

Certification helps, but does not replace reading

A vegan mark can reduce uncertainty. If there is no mark, ingredient lists and allergen statements are useful clues—but allergy statements are not a complete vegan declaration.