15 Vegetarian Meals That Aren't Veggie Friendly

We hate to be the bearer of bad news but the truth must be set free! Check out 15 of the most popular vegetarian meals which aren't quite vegetarian.

1. Fat-Free Yogurt

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Gelatin (a protein obtained by boiling pig/cow skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water.)

Sin-free right? RIGHT?! Not quite. Many brands today are using gelatin in their fat-free yogurts to give it that yogurty texture, oh dear.

Just to be safe: Don't worry, loads of brands are veggie safe, just always check the label when shopping.

2. Vegetable Soup

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Chicken stock (chicken bones simmered in water)

You think vegetable soup would be completely vegetarian right? (I mean, it's called vegetable soup). Unfortunately, this is not the case. Many store-bought vegetable soups are made using chicken stock (chicken bones simmered in water).

Just to be safe: The label is always your best friend. Make sure to double check the ingredients when shopping or just make your own using vegetable stock at home (it's also a really handy way to get rid of any leftover veg in the house).

3. Miso Soup

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Dashi (fish stock)

There appears to be a number of traditional ways to make miso soup, some are veggie safe, while others..... well aren't so much. They involve the use of Dashi (fish stock) or Benito flakes (dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna).

Just to be safe: If out at a restaurant or food shopping, simply ask your waiter/waitress or check that glorious label.

4. Caesar salad

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Anchovies (fish)

Even salad isn't safe, caesar salad is generally veggie safe, that is until you add the Caesar dressing which unfortunately features anchovies.

Just to be safe: Loads of brands are now releasing veggie safe caesar dressing (yay!) so all you need to do is check that label (gotta love that label).

5. Olive Tapenade

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Anchovies (again)

Another one which is kinda misleading due to its name, sadly, olive tapenade contains anchovies, damn.

Just to be safe: Don't fret, just make your own at home and leave out the anchovies, simple!

6. French Fries

The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Lard (pork fat)

A super tricky one to get around, french fries are often fried in animal fat but some establishments do have different fryers for vegetarian and meat.

Just to be safe: If buying in store, just check that label but if at your local takeout, it never hurts to ask (even though you might think it's a bit awkward) oh and did I mention! you can make it yourself, all you need is some spuds!

7. Bean & Cheese Burrito

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Lard (pork fat)

Traditionally, Mexican refried beans are made with lard (pork fat). Don't abandon all hope though, many recipes today choose to leave it out, nice.

Just to be safe: Whether you're food shopping or at your favourite burrito joint, it never hurts to double check the ingredients on the label or with the waiter/waitress.

8. Pesto Pasta

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Rennet (calf stomach)

A real heartbreaker for many and one that usually goes under the radar. Pesto generally contains parmesan cheese which again, if traditionally made, uses rennet (calf stomach).

Just to be safe: There are loads of vegetarian pestos out today in supermarkets so just keep an eye on the label or make it yourself, it's super easy and only takes 3 minutes and 40 seconds (I may have timed myself).

9. Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Anchovies (and again)

Anchovies strike again, making this dish another one to watch out for.

Just to be safe: Although it's difficult to find a vegetarian alternative in stores, you can just simply make it at home and leave out the anchovies (I think I'm seeing a pattern emerging).

10. Pad Thai

The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Fish sauce (don't think this one needs to be explained)

There's something fishy about Pad Thai and yes, you guessed it, it's the fish sauce. That about sums this one up.

Just to be safe: Always double check with whoever, it never hurts! ORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR make it yourself!

11. Kimchi

The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Fish Sauce (more fish)

Having only just tried this last week, to my horror I discovered that the traditional Korean side dish is made from salted and fermented vegetables with an added fish sauce or dried shrimp.

Just to be safe: The label! or look for jars in the supermarket that skip the awkward seafood part.

12. Apple Pie

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Lard (pork fat)

As sweet as apple.....oh wait....nevermind.

Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to just apple pie, but all pies. Pie crust is often made with lard because it doesn't break down under heat as quickly as butter.

Just to be safe: If making at home, you know what to do (right?) but if out and about, always just check the label or holla at the bakery counter.

13. Chocolate Mousse

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The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Gelatin (a protein obtained by boiling pig/cow skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water.)

No.... not chocolate?!?!?! Pretty much all the store bought chocolate mousses contain gelatin but freshly made ones should be good to go.

Just to be safe: Check that label people, or just ditch the mousse and get yourself loads of chocolate, problem solved.

14. Panna Cotta

Dave

The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Gelatin (a protein obtained by boiling pig/cow skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water.)

Traditionally, gelatin is used to set the milk in Panna Cotta but there are loads of recipes which leave it out.

Just to be safe: As always, check the label or make it yo self.

15. Cheesecake

The one ingredient ruining it for everyone: Gelatin (a protein obtained by boiling pig/cow skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water.)

Unfortunately, some cheesecakes are made with gelatine to give them that mousse-like texture but there are loads of other ones that thankfully have no gelatin.

Just to be safe: LABELLLLLLLL or ask or make it yourself!