How vegan is your home? (2024)

Two thirds of vegans are still using animal products in their home without realising, reveals a new study conducted by Hillary's.

With many Brits implementing changes to their diet, from cutting out meat to finding alternatives for dairy products, some vegans are still unaware of the non animal-friendly ingredients hiding in household staples.

As part of the study, Hillary's has created a visual infographic, 'How Vegan Is Your Home', providing information on the most common household items that don't meet the vegan criteria, with medication, shampoo and plastic bags among the top items found not to be vegan-friendly.

Some 72 per cent of vegan respondents surveyed admitted they have only changed their diet, not giving much thought about the non-vegan products still present within their homes.

'Veganism is on the rise and so many restaurants and food retailers are expanding their range to appeal to a vegan audience. It is great to see the modifications people are making to their lifestyles for the sake of animals and the environment, but until further changes are made to the ingredients in household products, it will be hard for people to convert to a fully vegan lifestyle,' Tara Hall, a spokesperson for Hillary's explained.

11 household items you didn't know weren't vegan

1. Plastic bags
Not many know that plastic bags contain slipping agents made from animal fat to reduce friction and static in the material. Just another reason why we should stop using them and switch to planet-friendly alternatives.

2. Shampoo and conditioner
Both of these haircare essentials contain lecithin taken from animal or dairy sources. There are plenty of vegan alternatives available if you are looking for some. Try brands such as Lush, who create animal and earth-kind beauty products, or The Body Shop's 100% vegan product collection.

3. Medication
Much of the medication we use contains a gelatin coating, which isn't suitable if you are vegetarian or vegan. Do check with your local pharmacist for animal-free alternatives.

4. Fabric softener
Not many of us know that many fabric softeners contain tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride (animal fats). Another hidden ingredient unbeknown to many.

5. LCD Screens
Quite surprisingly, TV’s, computers, phones and tablets all use animal cholesterol in their screens.

6. Razors

More expensive razors have a 'moisture strip' to make shaving more comfortable, but these often use glycerin from animal fat.

7. Sugar

Seasoned vegans will know that white sugar is processed with bone char to make it white – but even brown sugar is processed this way and then made brown with molasses.

8. Toothpaste

Chances are your toothpaste contains glycerin, usually taken from animal fats, to help stop it drying out. It also helps to reduce bacterial activity.

9. Photos

Some printing processes use gelatin to create black and white photos, and other photo papers are coated with it to protect images.

10. Playing cards

The cards are coated with stearic acid to make them smoother and reduce static, enabling them to 'fan' easier.

11. Bricks and cement

Yes, your entire home probably isn't vegan. Ox blood and animal fat are usually added to help building materials last longer.

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