The Vegan Dilemma: Have You Ever Fallen Victim to Unintentional Animal Product Inclusions?

As a long-time vegan, I have not personally experienced anyone actively trying to trick me into consuming animal products. However, I have encountered situations where the inclusion of these products was far from deliberate or malicious.

Navigating Grandma's Lard Pies

My grandmother, who unknowingly continued using lard in her pies even after I became a vegetarian, is a classic example. For years, she made pies with lard without realizing it would be a problem for me. I, on the other hand, was never careful enough to check the ingredients list. One time, my dad even made a pie crust with her and noticed the lard. He informed me, and the situation was resolved with a good laugh. Eventually, my grandmother started using vegetable shortening, ensuring that her treats were vegan-friendly.

A Barbecue Blunder

During a barbecue at a friend's place, I brought veggie patties to ensure I had something to eat. All went well until the plates got mixed up, and I received a beef patty by mistake. The error was immediately noticeable, and I appreciated the server's apology. I received a properly vegetarian patty afterwards, and the incident turned out well for everyone.

A Misunderstanding at a High-End Restaurant

On a more complex occasion, I attended a very fancy restaurant with no fixed menu. The chef prepared a special vegetarian plate for me, but a miscommunication led to the mashed potatoes being whipped with boar fat instead of butter. This was a turning point in my vegetarian journey. The boar fat was strong and made me quite ill. The chef was apologetic and we were offered a complimentary meal on the spot, which was graciously accepted.

Personal Observations on Trust and Awareness

While there have been a few instances where the inclusion of animal products was unintentional, I have been fortunate to avoid situations where food safety and my dietary preferences were put at risk due to potential trickery. I typically only invite myself to dinner at someone's house if I know them well and can discuss accommodation needs beforehand.

Conclusion

Vegans, as I am, are keenly aware of the ever-present possibility of unintentional animal product inclusions in food. From grandmother's lard pies to fancy restaurants, these are reminders to us all that careful communication is key. By making our dietary needs known and sharing our experiences, we can help reduce the risk of such incidents for fellow vegans.