Are supplements vegan?
Not always. Many supplements contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, collagen, whey or fish oil. Even products marketed as “natural” or “plant-based” may include non-vegan capsule materials or additives.
Many supplements that appear “natural” or “healthy” aren’t actually vegan.
Hidden animal-derived ingredients are surprisingly common — even in products marketed as plant-based or wellness-focused. From capsule shells to protein powders, it’s not always obvious what’s inside. This matters not only for those who choose not to eat animal products for ethical or environmental reasons, but also those with dairy and other intolerances or sensitivities.
If you’re choosing vegan supplements in Australia, we'e done the research into the most common non-vegan ingredients that we've spotted, and importantly recommend some great alternatives that align with your values.
Why aren’t all supplements vegan?
Even when active ingredients are plant-based, supplements may contain animal-derived capsule shells, fillers, coatings or processing aids. Labelling is not always clear, so it’s important to check the full ingredient list.
Unlike food, supplements aren’t always clearly labelled for dietary preferences. And terms like “natural”, “plant-based” or “clean” aren’t regulated.
Look beyond the marketing claims and check the full ingredient list to see if they genuinely are vegan supplements!
Common animal-derived ingredients in supplements
1. Capsule and tablet fillers
This is often overlooked. Even small amounts of these ingredients can make a supplement non-vegan.
Gelatin
Used in capsule shells, gelatin is derived from animal collagen. Gelatin is also used in Gummies.
Lactose / milk solids
Sometimes used as fillers or binders in tablets and powders.
Shellac (confectioner’s glaze)
A coating derived from insects, used to give tablets a shiny finish.
Ingredient Spotlight: Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is a common additive used in supplements to help powders flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent capsules from sticking. It can be derived from:
- Animal fats, typically beef tallow
- Or, from plant oils, most commonly palm oil
Because supplement labels rarely disclose the source, it can be difficult to know whether a product is truly vegan or palm-oil-free.
What to look for
- Products that specify plant-based magnesium stearate
- Brands that are transparent about palm-oil-free sourcing
- Formulations that avoid unnecessary additives altogether
2. Animal-derived proteins
These are some of the most widely used ingredients in modern supplements — especially powders and fitness products.
Whey protein
Derived from milk, whey is a by-product of cheese production. It’s commonly used in protein powders and meal replacements.
Casein
Another milk protein, often used in “slow-release” or overnight protein formulas.
Collagen
Made from animal connective tissue (such as skin and bones), collagen is popular in beauty and joint supplements.
It’s worth noting: there is no true vegan collagen.
Products labelled vegan collagen are typically collagen-support formulas, containing nutrients like vitamin C, silica, or amino acids to support your body’s own collagen production.
Vegan protein alternatives to look for:
- Pea protein
- Brown rice protein
- Hemp protein
- Algae-based nutrients
👉 Explore these vegan protein powders
3. Less obvious animal-derived ingredients
Beyond the more commonly known ingredients, there are also a number of less obvious animal-derived components that can appear in supplements.
Vitamin D3 (lanolin)
Often sourced from sheep’s wool. Vegan versions are derived from lichen or shitake mushroom. In our blog we delve into whether vitamin D can be vegan or not?
Fish oil (omega-3)
Common in supplements for heart and brain health.
Carmine (colouring)
A red pigment made from crushed insects, sometimes used in capsules or powders.
Propolis and Royal jelly
Produced by bees, commonly found in beauty, immune support and natural remedy formulas.
Chitosan
Derived from shellfish shells, often used in weight management or “fat-binding” supplements.
Organ extracts
Made from dried animal organs (such as liver or thyroid), sometimes used in traditional or “ancestral” supplements.
Shark or marine cartilage (marine collagen)
Used in joint support supplements, derived from animal cartilage.
Amino acids (source varies)
Some amino acids may be plant-based, synthetic, or animal-derived — and the source is not always clearly disclosed.
How can you tell if a supplement is vegan?
- Check the ingredient list for animal-derived components
- Look for vegan certification where available
- Choose brands that clearly disclose ingredient sources
- Look for plant-based capsules such as HPMC or pullulan
Alternative vegan ingredients
Choosing vegan supplements becomes much easier when you know what to look for.
Vegan capsule materials
Look for these are plant-based alternatives to gelatin:
- HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)
- Pullulan (fermented tapioca) Plant-based nutrient sources
Here are some vegan sources for the nutrients with popular products that contain them:
Clear, transparent labelling
Look for:
- Vegan certification (where available)
- Clearly listed ingredients
- Brands that disclose sourcing and processing
How a well-formulated vegan supplement looks
A high-quality vegan supplement should go beyond simply avoiding animal-derived ingredients — it should also use thoughtfully selected, plant-based nutrients that work together to support the body.
For example, a well-formulated gut support supplement like The Beauty Chef Gut Primer may include:
- Glutamine – an amino acid that supports the integrity of the gut lining
- Slippery elm & aloe vera – traditionally used to soothe the digestive tract
- Licorice (GutGard®) & peppermint – to support digestive comfort
- Milk thistle & turmeric – for liver and anti-inflammatory support
- Zinc (as zinc carnosine) – to support gut lining repair
- Mastic gum – traditionally used for gut health and microbial balance
- Calendula & beetroot – plant-based ingredients that support overall digestive wellbeing
Importantly, these types of formulations rely on plant extracts, amino acids, and mineral compounds — rather than animal-derived ingredients like collagen, gelatin, or dairy proteins.
This is the kind of thoughtful formulation we prioritise when selecting products at Biome.
Biome's approach to vegan supplements
At Biome, we take a careful, considered approach to every supplement we stock.
We review ingredient lists in detail — including capsule materials, additives, and nutrient sources — to help identify hidden animal-derived components.
Our focus is on:
- plant-based, vegan-friendly formulations
- minimal, purposeful ingredients
- transparent and ethical brands
- locally made in Australia where possible
Explore vegan supplements at Biome
If you’re looking for the best vegan supplements in Australia, we’ve made it easier to shop with confidence.
→ Explore our range of vegan supplements Australia
→ Browse our full collection of natural supplements Australia
What to look for on supplement labels
So, next time you're choosing a supplement, turn the pack over and look for any of these in the ingredients:
Common non-vegan ingredient names
- Gelatin
- Hydrolysed collagen / Collagen peptides
- Whey protein / Whey powder / Whey isolate
- Casein / Caseinate
- Milk solids / Lactose
- Fish oil / Omega-3 (fish-derived)
- Cod liver oil
- Lanolin / Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3 from lanolin)
- Carmine / Cochineal / E120
- Shellac / Confectioner’s glaze
- Propolis
- Royal jelly
- Beeswax
- Chitosan
- Desiccated liver / Liver extract
- Bovine extract / Porcine extract
- Glandular extract
- Shark cartilage / Marine cartilage
Ingredients that may be animal-derived
Check the source if these appear on the label.
- Magnesium stearate
- Stearic acid
- Glycerin / Glycerol
- Amino acids, such as L-cysteine, taurine or glycine
- Vitamin D3 / Cholecalciferol
Vegan-friendly alternatives to look for
- HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) – plant-based capsules
- Pullulan – fermented plant capsule material
- Algae oil / Algal DHA / Algal omega-3
- Lichen or Shitake mushroom – for vitamin D
- Pea protein / Rice protein / Hemp protein
- Fermented nutrients
Quick tip: If a supplement doesn’t clearly state it’s vegan — or doesn’t disclose ingredient sources — it’s always worth taking a closer look.
Frequently asked questions
What ingredients make a supplement non-vegan?
Common non-vegan ingredients include:
- gelatin
- collagen
- whey protein
- fish oil
- lanolin (vitamin D3)
- carmine (colouring)
Is vitamin D vegan?
Not always. Most vitamin D3 is derived from lanolin (sheep’s wool). Vegan vitamin D is sourced from lichen or shitake mushrooms. Explore more about where plant-based vitamin D comes from
Is magnesium stearate vegan?
It can be either plant- or animal-derived. The source is rarely disclosed, so it’s worth checking with the brand.
What capsules are vegan?
Look for capsules made from HPMC (plant cellulose) or pullulan (fermented tapioca), which are vegan alternatives to gelatin.
Final thoughts
Choosing vegan supplements isn’t always as simple as it seems.
From whey and collagen to capsule coatings and hidden additives, animal-derived ingredients can appear in unexpected places.
But with a little knowledge — and the right brands — it’s entirely possible to find supplements that support both your health and your values.
