Can one ingredient name have different sources?

Yes. Lecithin, glycerin, stearic acid, and many E-numbers can come from plants or animals. Without source information on the label, status may be uncertain.

What if my ingredient isn't in the database?

You'll receive a preliminary answer marked as unverified. Use it as guidance, then check the product label or contact the manufacturer.

Often yes when sourced from soy or sunflower, but it can be egg-derived. Check the label or look for a vegan certification.

Are natural flavors vegan?

Not always. Natural flavors can come from plant or animal sources and manufacturers rarely specify which.

How is this different from the E-number checker?

The ingredient checker covers any ingredient name. Use the E-number checker specifically for food additive codes like E120 or E471.

Interactive toolIngredients

Ingredient Checker

Enter any ingredient name to check whether it is typically vegan, animal-derived, or uncertain. The checker searches our ingredient database first, then provides a preliminary answer only when no verified match exists.

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Looking for a long read instead? Browse our vegan guides.

How to use this tool

How it works

Type an ingredient name (e.g. gelatin, lecithin, glycerin).
We search our ingredient database for a verified entry.
If found, you get a status, confidence score, explanation, and sources.
If not found, you get a preliminary answer clearly marked as unverified.

How to interpret the result

Vegan — no animal-derived ingredients based on available evidence.
Not Vegan — confirmed animal source (e.g. gelatin, casein, honey).
May Be Vegan / Unclear — source varies (e.g. lecithin from soy vs egg).
Depends on Brand or Country — formulation differs between manufacturers or regions.
Confidence reflects evidence strength, not absolute certainty.

Have a full ingredient list? Paste it into our Animal Ingredient Detector

Important limitations

Preliminary results are marked as unverified and should not replace reading the actual label.
Formulations change by country, brand, and over time — always check your specific product.
We do not have access to proprietary manufacturer data unless it is publicly available.

Examples

Gelatin

Returns Not Vegan — derived from animal collagen used in gummies, marshmallows, and desserts.

Lecithin

Often May Be Vegan — usually from soy but can be egg-derived. Check the label or contact the brand.

E471

Redirects to additive analysis — emulsifier that can be plant- or animal-derived.

Common mistakes

Assuming 'natural flavors' are always plant-based — they can be animal-derived.
Ignoring E-numbers and only checking ingredient names.
Trusting old forum posts instead of the current product label.
Treating 'May Be Vegan' as a confident yes without checking the source.

What to check next

Read the full ingredient list on the package.
Look for vegan certification marks (V-Label, Vegan Society, etc.).
Check allergen statements — milk and egg are usually declared.
Search for the specific product if you know the brand.

Related ingredients & products

Gelatin Lecithin E471 Honey

FAQ

Can one ingredient name have different sources?: Yes. Lecithin, glycerin, stearic acid, and many E-numbers can come from plants or animals. Without source information on the label, status may be uncertain.
What if my ingredient isn't in the database?: You'll receive a preliminary answer marked as unverified. Use it as guidance, then check the product label or contact the manufacturer.
Is lecithin vegan?: Often yes when sourced from soy or sunflower, but it can be egg-derived. Check the label or look for a vegan certification.
Are natural flavors vegan?: Not always. Natural flavors can come from plant or animal sources and manufacturers rarely specify which.
How is this different from the E-number checker?: The ingredient checker covers any ingredient name. Use the E-number checker specifically for food additive codes like E120 or E471.

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