Spice
Explore 4 ingredients and additives classified under Spice. Check forensic animal derivations, E-numbers, and verified plant swaps.
2
100% Plant-Based
0
Animal Derived
2
Check Required
All Spice (4)
Curcumin (E100)
✓ VeganCurcumin (E100) is the principal active yellow polyphenol extracted directly from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). 100% natural vegan colorant.
Kimchi
⚠ CheckTraditional Korean kimchi is commonly made with jeotgal (salted fermented seafood like fish sauce or baby shrimp paste). However, vegan kimchi made using kelp (kombu) and shiitake mushroom broth is 100% plant-based.
Miso Paste
✓ VeganTraditional miso is made by fermenting whole soybeans with salt and koji (Aspergillus oryzae culture). 100% plant-based probiotic umami seasoning.
Worcestershire Sauce
⚠ CheckTraditional Worcestershire sauce is NOT vegan because it contains fermented anchovies (fish). However, certified vegan Worcestershire sauces made with soy sauce, tamarind, and apple cider vinegar are widely available.
Understanding Spice in Plant-Based Diets
Biochemical Origins & Production
Ingredients in the Spice category can stem from plant crops, microbial fermentation, mineral synthesis, or animal byproducts. In modern industrial food processing, identical chemical compounds are frequently produced via both botanical and animal extraction routes.
When an ingredient has dual-source origin (such as glycerin, mono- and diglycerides, or stearic acid), vegan certification or direct manufacturer confirmation is necessary to ensure 100% plant or synthetic origin.
Label Reading & Ingredient Scrutiny
Food labeling regulations in major jurisdictions (including US FDA 21 CFR and EU Regulation 1169/2011) do not require manufacturers to disclose whether processing aids or multi-source carriers contain animal byproducts.
Always look for explicit "Suitable for Vegans" or "Certified Plant-Based" seals on packaged food products containing items flagged as Check Required.
Scan a Full Product Label
Paste any ingredient list from a package to instantly detect animal byproducts, E-numbers, and ambiguous additives with our live Ingredient Checker.