Non-Dairy Creamers
Non-dairy creamers, often used as a vegan substitute for milk or cream in coffee, can be misleading. Despite the “non-dairy” label, many of these creamers contain small amounts of sodium caseinate, a milk-derived protein. This is because the term “non-dairy” is regulated by the FDA and allows for the presence of milk proteins as long as the product is lactose-free.
When choosing a creamer for your coffee, it’s essential to look beyond the “non-dairy” label and check the ingredient list for sodium caseinate. There are many truly vegan creamers on the market, made from almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and other plant-based milks. These creamers will often explicitly state that they are vegan on the packaging, making them a safer choice for those following a vegan diet.
Red Foods
Many red-colored foods and drinks, such as candies, juices, and sodas, contain a dye called carmine. Carmine, also listed as cochineal or carminic acid, is derived from the cochineal scale insect. The insects are crushed to produce the red dye, which is then used to color a variety of foods and drinks.
To avoid consuming carmine, it’s important to read the ingredient list on any red-colored food or drink. Look for natural plant-based colorings, such as beet juice or red cabbage extract. Many companies are moving away from using carmine due to consumer demand for vegan and allergen-free products, but it’s still widely used, so vigilance is key.
