Brushing your teeth is a daily routine, but have you ever thought about what’s actually in your toothpaste? For millions of people who follow vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, this everyday item can be unintentionally going against dietary or ethical guidelines. As shocking as it may seem, the majority of people are unaware that several well-known toothpastes contain substances derived from animals. The truth is frequently covered up by a swirl of minty freshness, whether through misleading packaging or unclear labels.
Why Does Toothpaste Contain Non-Vegan Ingredients?
It’s difficult to believe that toothpaste contains any animal ingredients because it typically tastes minty fresh. However, a lot of products use substances that come from animals.
For instance, glycerin, which is frequently derived from animal fat but can also be plant-based, keeps toothpaste wet. Toothpaste can also contain propolis, a resin-like substance produced by bees that has antibacterial qualities.
As the NGO Vegan Friendly notes, it can be challenging to determine exactly what is in your toothpaste formula because ingredient lists can be confusing and complex. However, some flavorings and food colorings used in toothpaste can also be non-vegan.
Do All Natural Toothpastes Contain Vegan Ingredients?
It depends. Many toothpastes can claim to be natural by adding only one or a few natural ingredients. They may, however, contain ingredients that are comparable to those in regular toothpaste, which would prevent them from being vegan.
Steps To Find Out Whether Toothpaste Is Vegetarian Or Not
These are some ways to find out whether the toothpaste is vegetarian or not:
Green and Red Dot/Square Mark
This is the simplest and most direct method, and it is required on Indian products by organizations like the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI).
Green: If a tiny green square or ball appears on the toothpaste’s bottom, it indicates that the product is entirely “vegetarian.”
Red: It is “non-vegetarian” or contains an animal-based ingredient if there is a tiny red square or ball.
List Of Ingredients On The Packaging
Don’t freak out if the color mark is unclear. Pay close attention to the “ingredients” or “content” section on the package. Take particular note of these names:
Gelatin: If the word “gelatin” appears, it indicates that the ingredient is not vegetarian.
Glycerin/glycerol: both vegetative and animal sources of glycerin are present. It can be non-vegetarian if it just says “Glycerin.” It is vegetarian if it says “Vegetable Glycerin” or “Plant-Derived Glycerin.” It is probably not vegetarian if nothing is written.
Currently, a lot of products display certifications such as “100% Vegetarian,” “Vegan,” or “Cruelty-Free” on their packaging. You can assume that a product is vegetarian and hasn’t been tested on animals or animal products if it has such a seal or logo.
A small reminder, even tiny everyday choices like this can make a big difference. So next time you buy a toothpaste, take a moment to read the label.
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