Ingredients

Ingredients is the aisle behind the aisle. Monoglycerides, nigari, carob, nutritional yeast: the words on the back of the pack that make people put things back on the shelf. For each one I cover what it is, whether it’s vegan (sometimes the honest answer is “depends on the source, and the label won’t tell you”), and what to swap it for, in what ratio. There are storage notes too, since half my spice drawer is older than some of your houseplants.

Verdicts come from how an ingredient is made, what manufacturers state and which certifications they carry. They don’t come from me licking a spoon and nodding thoughtfully. When the sourcing is unclear, I say it’s unclear instead of guessing in your favour.

Start here: Monoglycerides · Nigari, the tofu maker · Nutritional yeast · How long onion powder lasts · Carob vs chocolate

The Vegan Guide to Monoglycerides

The Vegan’s Guide to Monoglycerides

Monoglycerides are a common ingredient in many foods, but are they vegan? The answer depends on the source of the glycerides. While some monoglycerides come from plant oils, others are derived from animal fats. This means that not all monoglycerides are…