Animal Ingredients A-Z

by E.G.Smith Collective

An easy-to-use, concise reference for vegans, the health-conscious and merely curious which documents thousands of animal and animal-derived ingredients. Thoroughly researched using PETA, the Vegan Society & the manufacturers themselves, this guide demystifies postage stamps, maple syrup, teas, chewing gums and the ever confusing world of ciders.

Genres: Vegan, Reference, Nonfiction, Animals, Cooking, Health, Food

Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for the first edition, which was printed in zine format. I read it when I was a vegetarian and sometimes vegan, and this book is great. If you ever thought you'd like to spend way more time in a grocery store than you do already, just reading ingredient labels, then this is for you. Once you read this you realize it's really difficult to avoid animal products, and you can feel really self-righteous after a two hour shopping trip knowing you're all animal friendly and shit.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's helpful, but I would prefer a different organization to make it a little less overwhelming. For example (in addition to the dictionary format), a shampoo section with the list of animal products which one is likely to find in shampoo. It would make the book thicker, but a bit more practical for shopping purposes. But it (or something like it) is a must have for vegans. I've heard you can buy the book for your ipod; maybe it's a little easier to use that way.
Plus, in the beginning of the book, there is something said about fruit being coated in something similar to geletin (thus animal), and I was bugged by the offered solution: peel the fruit before eating it. Really? What the hell good does that do? If you buy it, the damage has been done!

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here’s a dictionary of common and uncommon animal ingredients found in consumer products, designed to make vegan shopping easier. Entries range from “well, duh” (cod liver oil) to more obscure (depanthenol). I’ve always found listings like this more than a bit overwhelming. Unfortunately, many entries muddle things further with the caveat “may be from animal or plant sources.”

Sadly, animal slaughter is so integrated into every part of our society that it’s impossible to avoid all products of cruelty. I imagine this is why it’s best to support cruelty free products as much as possible, and that’s why I would have liked to see a directory of vegan product manufacturers in this book.

[Katey · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a practicing vegetarian and half-ass vegan of some years, I already know about what to avoid. For the most part. I had this book on my shelf but never read it; I'm kind of glad I didn't read it earlier, as it can be so vague, since so many of the ingredients they list can be from a plant or animal source, it really isn't helpful. And if I was a vegan alcoholic, I would appreciate the fairly extensive section about vegan beer, wine, and liquor a lot more.

I would encourage any new vegetarian or vegan to look elsewhere for info as well.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very clear - many items listed could come from plant or animal sources, and there were no ideas or advice on how to determine which source an ingredient came from. The only advice was "avoid to be safe." No offense, but I'm already avoiding a lot due to vegetarianism and food allergies, so this is not helpful advice!

[Shafe Shaffer · Rating 1 out of 5]

It would have been awesome if they had actually updated the information that I put together for the 1st few editions instead of having some famous authors write some new introductions.

The whole idea was not to be preachy, it's a shame that it sold well enough to put out this garbage without any research to update it.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful and informative resource for those new to meat-free eating and those that have been veg for a while. I used to take it grocery shopping with me and I learned so much from this book. I highly recommend it to those who are interested in eating less animal products or going completely vegan.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reference book for the compassionate shopper to have on hand at all time! Lots of great info - helps to bring awareness into all areas of your life.

[Eva Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do without it?

[Gg · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome detailed. sensible book

[Shélah]

Handy dandy!

[Kellyanne Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for vegans and for people who want to know what's in their food and their cleaning and self care products

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent resource