5 Non-Vegetarian Ingredients Found In Some Cakes

Mohammed Rizwan • December 27, 2023

If you’re a vegetarian or you’re following a plant-based diet, you’ll know that purchasing cakes and other desserts can be a bit of a minefield. That’s because there can be all sorts of non-veggie ingredients hidden in these recipes.


Thankfully we’re here to help you adhere to your dietary preferences, so without further ado, here are some ingredients you’ll want to avoid if you’re a vegetarian. 


Lard


First up on the list of deplorables is lard, which is still a surprisingly common ingredient in some cake mixtures.


Often used in traditional recipes, lard, which is derived from rendered pig fat, can find its way into certain cakes, particularly those that were created in regions where the ingredient is commonly used.


The issue is that lard’s presence might not be stated. But for vegetarians or those following certain religions, this could create a real problem. So before you tuck into those cakes or sweet treats, be sure to check the ingredients.


Gelatin


Next up it’s gelatin and this one is probably the most common of all the ingredients on this list. Although you’ll mostly find gelatine in confectionary and yoghurts, it can also find its way into some cake recipes too.


Obtained from
animal collagen, gelatine is typically sourced from the bones, skin or connective tissues of pigs, cows or marine creatures. So it goes without saying that the presence of this ingredient renders any recipe non-vegetarian.


Gelatin is used as a binder or thickener in fillings or frosting but, as pointed out, it can find its way into many types of recipes so keep this in mind the next time you fancy a sweet treat!


Rennet


Ever heard of rennet? Many haven’t, but you’d be surprised to know it’s lurking in many cheesecakes or creamy delights. If you’re unfamiliar with this enzyme, you’ll be even more surprised (or horrified) when you discover where it comes from. That’s because it’s sourced from the stomach lining of young calves. Pretty disgusting, right?


Rennet is used in cheese production by aiding coagulation. Its presence in certain cake recipes might repulse those who are on a strictly vegetarian diet, so if you’re trying to avoid animal products then be careful as you might get more than you bargained for if you fail to check the label or ask the person who made it.


Glycerine


This one is sometimes tricky to spot, as it comes in two forms: vegetable and animal-derived. The problem is when you look at a food label and see the word “glycerine”, sometimes it might not be stated which one it is. This is where problems can arise for those on a vegetarian or plant-based diet.


Some types of glycerine are sourced from animal fats, making its appearance in cakes a potential cause for concern among vegetarians.


The good news is that plant-based glycerine is usually referred to as vegetable glycerine. So if you spot glycerine on a label and it doesn’t say it’s vegetable, tread with caution!


Carmine


We really did save the best ‘til last with this one! Carmine, also known as cochineal extract or natural red 4, adds a beautiful vibrant hue to frostings or decorative elements. 


However, that’s where the positives end – unless you enjoy gorging on
crushed-up insects, that is! That’s right, this red dye is derived from crushed female cochineal beetles, making this an unwanted ingredient for those following a vegetarian diet. Or any diet for that matter!


Vegetarian Cakes


If you’re in search of some vegetarian cakes and you’re worried about navigating the minefield purchasing desserts poses for anyone looking to avoid animal products, luckily you’ve come to the right place.


Here at Cake Inn, we specialise in vegetarian baking. What’s more, all of our recipes eschew the use of eggs, so if you’re trying to avoid those too, you’re in luck!


Our
egg-free cake shop offers a wide range of cakes for all occasions. So whether you’ve got a wedding coming up and you need a cake, or you’re just looking for some sweet treats for a kids’ birthday party, we have you covered. And best of all, they’re all completely vegetarian and egg-free!


So those are the main ingredients you need to avoid if you’re on a vegetarian diet. As you can see, there are some covert additions lurking in your food, so always check the labels, or better still get all your cakes from a trusted source. Wink, wink!


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