15 Foods You Didn’t Know Weren’t Vegetarians (And Their Vegetarian-Friendly Alternatives!)

Vegetarians avoid meat, fish, and poultry, but the reasons behind this diet vary: some for health, others for ethical or environmental reasons. At first glance, it seems easy to spot what’s vegetarian-friendly and what’s not. After all, no meat, no problem, right? Well, not so fast. You might be surprised to find that some everyday foods, snacks, and even drinks, hiding on your grocery store shelves, contain sneaky animal byproducts. From breakfast cereals to beverages, we’ve compiled a list of 15 foods you assumed were vegetarian but actually aren't (and we’ll even tell you what to swap them with, because we’re nice like that).

1. Gummy Bears 

Gummy bears are fun, colorful, and… made from gelatin? That’s right, many gummy candies contain gelatin, derived from animal collagen, typically from cows or pigs. This makes them a no-go for vegetarians. Swap them with fruit-based or pectin-based gummy candies that provide the same chewy goodness minus the animal parts.

2. Parmesan

Yes, even some cheeses aren’t safe. Parmesan (and many hard cheeses like Pecorino) are made using rennet, an enzyme found in the stomach lining of cows or sheep. Who knew cheese could be so un-vegetarian? For a vegetarian-friendly alternative, look for Parmesan made with microbial rennet or choose a delicious vegan cheese option.

3. Marshmallow Cereals

You might expect your sugary breakfast cereals to be harmless, but marshmallows? Gelatin strikes again! Those fluffy white chunks in cereals are made with it. Fear not, you can switch to marshmallow-less cereals or opt for vegan marshmallows in your next bowl.

4. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce, the secret ingredient in many dishes, seems harmless enough. But here’s the catch—it’s made with anchovies. To keep your Caesar salad vegetarian-friendly, choose a version made without the fishy additions or go for a soy sauce or tamari substitute.

5. Red Wine

Red wine might seem like a natural vegetarian choice, but some wines are clarified using fining agents like isinglass (derived from fish bladders) or even egg whites. Who knew your glass of vino had such a murky past? Look for wines labeled “vegan” or “unfined” to avoid any animal involvement in your happy hour.

6. Caesar Salad

You’re enjoying a nice salad, thinking you’re safe in your vegetarian haven, but Caesar dressing often contains anchovies. For a fish-free option, try making your own dressing with tahini or miso to add that umami punch without the sneaky fish fillets.

7. French Onion Soup

What’s cozier than a bowl of French onion soup? Unfortunately, many recipes are made with beef broth, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. You can swap the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth to keep all the depth of flavor, minus the cow.

8. Jelly Beans

Who doesn’t love a handful of jelly beans? These colorful treats often contain shellac, which comes from the secretions of the lac bug. A fun fact that’s probably not so fun for vegetarians. Switch to jelly beans labeled as vegan or ones made with plant-based alternatives.

9. Fig Newtons

Figs are a fruit, so fig-based cookies must be vegetarian, right? Well, here’s a surprise. Figs often have symbiotic relationships with wasps, meaning some tiny wasp bits might make their way into your snack. While this one might not be a deal-breaker for all, there are plenty of other fruity cookies that are completely insect-free.

10. Bagels

Bagels seem like an innocent carb, but did you know many are brushed with an egg wash to get that shiny exterior? Skip the animal products and go for plain bagels or ask your bakery for egg-free options.

11. Refried Beans

Beans, beans, the magical fruit… until they’re cooked with lard! Some refried beans use lard (pig fat) for that creamy texture. Stick to vegetarian-labeled refried beans or make your own at home with olive oil or vegetable shortening.

12. Thai Curry

You might think you’re enjoying a plant-based Thai curry, but many traditional recipes sneak in shrimp paste as a base ingredient. For a vegetarian twist, opt for a curry paste that’s shrimp-free or make your own with soy sauce or miso for that umami depth.

13. Miso Soup

Miso soup is light, flavorful, and perfect for vegetarians, right? Not always. Many versions are made with dashi, a broth made from dried bonito flakes (a type of fish). Look for miso soups made with seaweed or mushroom-based broth instead.

14. Chocolate

Chocolate? What could be wrong with chocolate? Well, some companies use confectioner’s glaze (made from shellac, aka lac bug secretions) to give chocolate a glossy finish. No bugs in your bars, please! Choose vegan chocolate that avoids the shellac shine.

15. Altoids

Your breath might be minty fresh, but the gelatin in Altoids comes from animal bones. For a vegetarian breath mint option, look for alternatives like Tic Tacs or other gelatin-free mints.