I have been vegetarian for my whole life. However, it wasn’t until this year that, for a variety of reasons, I started to actually read the ingredients on my food. I started doing this in an effort to limit the chemicals and preservatives I was eating. In doing this, I discovered not only the multitude of preservatives that I included in my diet; I also discovered the hidden animal product I was eating--Gelatin. Gelatin is an ingredient derived by boiling the skin, bones and hooves of animals (mostly cows and pigs). For my fellow vegetarians out there, here is a list of the gelatin-containing foods you might be eating:

1. Salted Nuts

Many companies use gelatin to adhere the salt to the nuts.

3. Frosted Pop-Tarts

2. Marshmallows

To be honest, I was disappointed when I found out about this one because I really enjoyed smores.

3. Gummy Bears (and other sticky candies)

This is another I really enjoyed....I have definitely been missing Sweetish Fish.

5. Altoids

6. Some types of beer

7. Protein Bars

One day after a work-out, I sat down and took a bite out of a protein bar. Out of curiosity, I decided to have a look at the ingredients. I was shocked to find gelatin on the list.

8. Frosting

9. Whipped Cream

10. Yogurt

Once I learned about the gelatin that many yogurts are made out of, Siggi’s yogurt has become my new favorite brand. They use all natural ingredients and no gelatin...just skim milk and fruit. I don’t know why, but it’s always satisfying to me when I can pronounce all of the ingredients on the list!