How does AreTheyVegan.com determine if something is vegan?

We summarize common ingredient sources and typical manufacturing use-cases, and highlight when an ingredient can be plant-based or animal-derived. Always check labels and manufacturer statements for final confirmation.

Can you check E-numbers and food additives?

Yes. You can search additives (including E-numbers) to see whether they are typically vegan, non-vegan, or conditional depending on the source.

Is the answer always 100% certain?

Not always. Some ingredients can be produced from either plant or animal sources. We clearly label these cases so you know when to verify with the brand.

Instant vegan checker for ingredients & products.

Search ingredients, additives (E-numbers), and everyday items to see if they’re vegan — with clear “why” explanations and source notes.

Tip: Some ingredients are source-dependent. We’ll flag those as “Depends” so you know when to verify.

Gelatin E120 (Carmine) Whey Casein Lecithin E471

What you can do here

Everything you need for quick vegan checks, without the guesswork.

Check ingredients

Look up common ingredients like gelatin, honey, whey, casein, shellac, and more.

Check additives (E-numbers)

Find whether additives are typically vegan or can be animal-derived.

Understand “Depends” cases

See when an ingredient’s vegan status varies by source or processing method.

How it works

We map ingredients to their common production sources, then label each result as Vegan, Not Vegan, or Depends. For “Depends,” we show what to check on the label or with the manufacturer.

1) Search an ingredient or additive

Type the name (e.g., “carmine”) or code (e.g., “E120”).

2) Get a clear verdict + explanation

We explain typical sources and the key reason behind the verdict.

Ready to check something?

Try a search now and get an answer you can actually use while shopping.

Start searching (Update this link if your search path differs.)

FAQ

Are your results always accurate?

We aim for clarity and transparency. Some ingredients are source-dependent (plant vs animal), so we label those as “Depends” and explain what to confirm.

What should I do for “Depends” ingredients?

Look for vegan certification, check the ingredient’s source on the label (when provided), or contact the brand/manufacturer for confirmation.

Do you cover cosmetics and household items?

If you include those in your database, this page supports it—add categories and examples that match what your site actually checks.

Can I link to a specific ingredient page?

Yes—create SEO-friendly pages (e.g., /ingredient/gelatin) with unique explanations and references.