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20 Animal-Free Alternatives for Common Animal-Derived Food Ingredients!

Animal products are used in more things than you can imagine. There are some foods and medications you may never know were not vegan. These sneaky ingredients can be overlooked because they either don’t count as an allergen on nutritional labels, or you just may not be informed.

However, we have compiled a list of 20 common animal ingredients so you can make sure you have your facts straight. Plus, we have included some amazing alternatives so diving into a plant-based lifestyle is easier than ever! Here are 20 animal ingredients commonly used in medicines, how they are derived, and potential alternatives:

1. Gelatin

Derived from animal collagen, most commonly from pig skin, bones, and connective tissue. Typically, it is used as a binding agent and capsule filling. You may find it in marshmallows or any kind of liquid-gel pills. Alternative: Pectin is a polymer found in plant cell walls and can be used as a gelling agent in place of animal-derived gelatin. It functions in the same way and is a perfect replacement for vegans. In addition, HPMC is a plant-based polymer that can also be used as a binder and capsule filler.

2. Carmine

This product is derived from ground-up cochineal insects. It has been around for hundreds of years but is not vegan. Typically, it is used as a red or pink dye in certain medications. Alternative: Instead of carmine, you can use or look for synthetic dyes like FD&C Red No. 40.

3. Cholesterol

This product is derived from animal fat and is used to synthesize certain hormones and vitamins found in some medications. Alternative: Plant sterols, such as those found in soybeans, nuts, and seeds, can be used as an alternative to animal-derived cholesterol. In addition, synthetic cholesterol can be used to help those with low cholesterol levels.

4. Heparin

Derived from pig and cow intestines, this product is used as an anticoagulant. It is typically only found in medication. Alternative: Instead of animal-derived heparin, synthetic heparin can be used. This alternative is produced using chemical synthesis or recombinant DNA technology.

5. Lactose

Derived from cow’s milk through a chemical process, lactose can be used as a filler and sweetener in certain medications. Additionally, it can be found in some products that taste like cheese. Alternative: Plant-based sugars like fructose and glucose can be used as an alternative to lactose derived from cow’s milk.

6. Pancreatin

Typically, this product is derived from animal pancreas, including pigs and cows. It is used to aid in digestion and breakdown of food in certain medications. Alternatives: Alternatives can be found in plant-based enzymes like bromelain (from pineapples) and papain (from papaya) and used in the same way!

7. Porcine insulin

Derived from the pig pancreas, porcine insulin is used to regulate blood sugar levels in certain medications. It is particularly helpful for those with diabetes. Alternatives: Instead of porcine insulin, synthetic insulin made using recombinant DNA technology can be used as an alternative.

8. Pepsin

Pepsin is derived from pig stomachs and is used as a digestive enzyme in certain medications. It can help the digestive system in its totality. Alternatives: Plant-based enzymes like bromelain and papain can be used as an alternative to animal-derived pepsin.

9. Beeswax

It is no surprise that this product is derived from honeycomb. Typically, it is used as a coating agent for certain medications. Alternatives: Plant waxes like candelilla wax can be used as an alternative to beeswax. To make things better, they are typically cheaper to source!

10. Bile acids

Found in the liver and derived from animal bile, this product is used as a cholesterol-lowering medication. Alternatives: Thankfully, the alternative to this is synthetic bile acids.

11. Corticotropin

This product is from the hypothalamus and is derived from pig pituitary glands. It is used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medication for things like multiple sclerosis. Alternatives: Just like many of the other products, this one can be synthesized and created from something other than animal products.

12. Collagenase

This product is derived from animal collagen. It is most commonly from bacteria found in pig intestines. Typically, it is found in some medications and used to break down scar tissue. Alternatives: Synthetic enzymes can be used as an alternative to animal-derived collagenase.

13. Squalene

This animal product is shockingly derived from shark liver oil. When found in medicine it is used as an adjuvant in certain vaccines. Alternatives: Plant-based adjuvants like MF59 can be used as an alternative to squalene derived from shark liver oil.

14. Thyroid hormones

Used to regulate metabolism in certain medications, thyroid hormones are derived from pig and cow thyroid glands, Alternatives: Synthetic thyroid hormones can be used as an alternative to thyroid hormones derived from pig and cow thyroid glands. It is typically found in the prescription Cytomel.

15. Dry cow milk

This product is relatively familiar and is used as a source of protein and nutrients in some infant formula and nutritional supplements. Alternatives: Just like non-dry cow milk, plant-based proteins like soy and pea protein can be used as an alternative to dry cow milk.

16. Fish oil

Used to supplement omega-3 fatty acids in certain dietary supplements and medications fish oil is derived from the tissues of oily fish like salmon. Alternatives include plant-based sources of omega-3s like flaxseed oil and algae oil. Plant-based sources of omega-3s like flaxseed oil and algae oil can be used as an alternative to fish oil.

17. Lard

This product comes from pig fat. It can be used as a lubricant and vehicle for certain medications. Additionally, it can be used for cooking as a replacement for oil. Alternatives: Plant-based oils like coconut oil and vegetable oil are an easy one-to-one replacement for lard.

18. Tallow

Derived from animal fat, tallow is used as a source of fatty acids and as a base for certain medications. Alternatives. Just like with lard, plant-based oils like coconut oil and vegetable oil can be used as an alternative to tallow.

19. Allantoin

This product can be isolated in cow urine and come from uric acid. Typically, it is used as a skin conditioning agent in certain medications and cosmetics. Alternatives: Alternatives for allantoin are easy to come by as plant-based allantoin is derived from comfrey root.

20. Tyrosine

Derived from animal protein, this animal product is used as a precursor molecule for the production of certain hormones. it is found in quite a few medications. Alternatives: Synthetic tyrosine can be used as an alternative to tyrosine derived from animal protein. This can be found in soybeans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Being vegan means sometimes having to give things up. But, when you can figure out replacements for certain things, it can be a whole lot easier. Additionally, sometimes we may accidentally have something non-vegan just because we are unsure of what it is. Fortunately, by educating ourselves we can have a far more well-rounded knowledge of what we are putting into our bodies.

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