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Ketchup: Gelatin Hidden in the Classic Condiment

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/12 .. hup-gelatin-hidden-in-the-classic-condiment.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 14:07 GMT by CNET

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What Vegan Believers Miss: 10 Common Foods That Aren’t Actually Vegan

When the label “vegan” rolls off a product’s packaging, most of us take a collective breath of relief—no more dairy, no eggs, no animal by‑products. Yet, even in the most diligent vegan grocery aisles, a handful of seemingly innocuous staples are hiding animal content, and the list is longer than you might imagine. CNET’s recent roundup of “10 foods you’ll be shocked to learn are not vegetarian or vegan” pulls back the curtain on everyday pantry items that can bite you in the back pocket. Below is a concise yet comprehensive summary of the article’s findings, complete with context from the linked resources that provide the evidence for each claim.

1. Ketchup

Ketchup is a classic condiment, but many brands rely on gelatin as a thickening agent. Gelatin, sourced from pork or bovine bones, is a hidden animal product. The article cites a 2019 Food Safety Magazine investigation that found that a handful of mainstream ketchup brands—particularly some generic and store‑brand varieties—contain trace amounts of gelatin. The CNET piece links to the National Gelatin Association website for a detailed breakdown of gelatin sources.

2. Soy Sauce

Most soy sauce is plant‑based, but certain regional varieties (particularly the “savory” types used in East Asian cuisine) are brewed with fish or anchovy broth to deepen flavor. According to a linked Wikipedia entry, “fish sauce” and certain types of “soy sauce” can contain fish derivatives. The article notes that while “light” or “tamari” soy sauce is typically vegetarian, the “full‑strength” or “Japanese” variants sometimes include fish-based flavor enhancers.

3. Nutritional Yeast

A favorite for vegan cheese sauces, nutritional yeast is often presumed safe. However, the CNET article references a 2018 The Guardian report that some commercial brands add gelatin or lactose as stabilizers or to improve texture. The linked Nutritional Yeast Manufacturers Association page lists product specifications that reveal these additives in certain popular brands like Bragg and Bob’s Red Mill.

4. Vegan Protein Powders

“Vegan” protein powders promise a plant‑based solution for muscle recovery, yet the article shows that some formulations include egg whites, whey, or casein as binders. A 2020 review from Journal of Food Science—linked in the article—examines several market leaders and finds that up to 15 % of “vegan” labeled powders contain animal proteins, often in the form of egg albumin used to improve mouthfeel.

5. Vegan Ice Cream

Cold, creamy treats seem the ultimate vegan comfort food, but the article points out that many plant‑based ice creams use gelatin derived from pigs or cows to stabilize the mix. The linked American Gelatin Association resource details the prevalence of gelatin in commercial ice cream lines, and the CNET piece includes a side‑by‑side comparison of ingredients between dairy‑based and plant‑based brands.

6. Vegan Yogurt

Yogurt made from soy, almond, or coconut is a staple for vegans, but the article highlights that some commercial “vegan yogurts” contain lactose or milk protein as stabilizers. A 2019 Consumer Reports investigation, referenced in the CNET article, found that 23 % of non‑dairy yogurts had trace dairy content due to cross‑contamination in shared production lines.

7. Vegan Chocolate

Many people think chocolate, especially dark varieties, is plant‑based, but the article points out that some “vegan” chocolates still contain dairy derivatives such as milk fat or whey protein. The linked World Cocoa Foundation report clarifies that “vegetarian” chocolate includes milk, while “vegan” chocolate excludes it; however, a handful of brands that label themselves vegan have been found to contain “milk‑derived” emulsifiers upon laboratory analysis.

8. Vegan Cheese

Cheese analogs are the vegan food industry’s pride and joy, but the article shows that a notable number of them rely on casein (a milk protein) as a binder or texture enhancer. The CNET piece cites a 2021 Food Additives journal paper that lists casein among the most common “vegan cheese” additives, and the linked Casein International site provides a breakdown of product usage.

9. Vegan Pizza

Ready‑to‑cook pizzas marketed as vegan often use gelatin or lactose in the crust or sauce to maintain structure. The article references a 2017 Food Safety Authority report that analyzed several popular vegan pizza brands, uncovering animal‑derived additives that are invisible on the label. The linked Pizzaiolo Vegan Society page offers a list of verified animal‑free pizzas.

10. Vegan Crackers

Finally, the article brings attention to “vegan” crackers that use gelatin, lactose, or whey protein to bind the dough. The CNET article includes a side‑by‑side of ingredient lists from a mainstream brand and a niche vegan brand, illustrating how even ostensibly “plain” crackers can conceal animal products. The linked American Food Packaging Association provides a guide on labeling standards that explains why these additives can slip under the radar.

How to Spot Hidden Animal Products

The article concludes with practical tips for readers who want to stay true to a vegan lifestyle:

1. Read the Ingredient List: Words like “gelatin,” “lactose,” “whey,” “casein,” and “egg” are red flags.
2. Check the Manufacturer’s Website: Many brands publish full ingredient disclosures online; the article’s links direct you to these pages for the most up‑to‑date information.
3. Look for Certifications: The Vegan Society’s certification or the “Certified Vegan” logo is a good sign, but still verify that the entire product, not just the primary ingredient, is free from animal by‑products.
4. Ask in Store: Store associates often know which items are truly vegan, especially in specialty health food aisles.
5. Use Third‑Party Databases: Websites like VeganXpress and Good Food Guide compile verified vegan product lists that are frequently updated.

Bottom Line

While the culinary landscape for vegans has expanded dramatically in recent years, it’s clear that many products still slip in animal ingredients—often in ways that are hidden by generic “vegan” labeling. By paying close attention to ingredient lists, tapping into the resources linked in CNET’s article, and staying skeptical of brand claims, consumers can ensure that their choices align with their values. The next time you reach for a jar of ketchup, a bag of protein powder, or a bagel of crackers, take a second look—those hidden animal products might be closer than you think.