Is grocery store milk vegetarian?

Question

They are usually enriched with vitamin A, which comes from slaughtered fish.

So what do you think?

Answer 1

IMHO mass-market milk isn't normally lacto-vegetarian friendly because it's fortified with vitamin D-3. Some vegetarian groups disagree with that because historically D-3 was made by exposing lanolin (wool fat) to UV light and didn't directly result in the death of an animal. Unfortunately their opinion is out of date, nowadays D-3 is more likely to be synthesized from slaughterhouse waste/scraps than to come from lanolin and that makes D-3 NOT lacto-vegetarian friendly. Just like any other product you purchase, you need to read labels and verify with the producer that their product is truly suitable for vegetarians.

As far as I know vitamin A isn't normally added to milk, but I've not paid much attention to what's put into milk since I don't drink (or buy) the stuff. But I most definitely agree that MOST commercial vitamin A is sourced from fish. Nowadays it's normally sourced from fish livers. While there are vegetarian (and vegan) sources of vitamin A, you aren't likely to see it used in food products not made specifically for veggies since the cost is dramatically higher.

Answer 2

Wow, somebody needs to do some research. #1 We can't tell you what to buy-it's not like all vegetarians eat all the same foods. Personal taste, budget and culinary skill all still apply. #2 It's a bad idea to make a major lifestyle change without any friggin' idea how. We could tell you that all you need to eat is Boca burgers and vitamins and you wouldn't know any better. #3 Speaking of faux meat, it's not a good idea to make it a big part of your diet. Even the healthiest ones aren't all that great. It's fine for an occasional change. And it costs A LOT. #4 Not sure what you are refferring to when you say "snacks". To me that means something you eat that is much smaller than a meal. That could encompass any number of different items, including (gasp!) fruits, nuts, vegetables, crackers, chips, nut butter, yogurt... And last but by no means least-you are aware that herbs come from plants? That means that any herb out there is fair game for vegetarians, and like any other group of people we all have different tastes. One would think there was a list somewhere titled "foods all vegetarians eat" from reading your question.

Answer 3

I think you're a little confused. It's vitamin D-3 that is made with lanolin. I've never heard of vitamin A being made from fish. You can always try soy milk instead.

Answer 4

Personally, anything that has animal or fish products or by-products cannot be classified as vegetarian. However, there are some people who are vegetarian (not vegan) who are ovo-vegetarian which means that they consume dairy. When I eat vegetarian I do not want any meat/fish products hence I stick to soy milk, soy cheese, etc. Check out the Peta www site for more info.

Answer 5

I guess you would have to check out their source of the vitamin A. I've always thought it was vegetarian. My dog is a vegan (seriously) so milk/dairy is out.

Answer 6

Well it is vegetarian because there is no meat in it.
It is not VEGAN however because there are animal products in it. Even if the vit A did not come from fish, milk would not be vegan because it comes from cows.

Answer 7

Fish are caught not slaughtered. Cows slaughtered.

Answer 8

If you are one... it’s all up to you if it is or if it isn’t.