Quick answer: No, not all supplements are vegan. Many supplements contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin capsules, fish oil, collagen, whey protein, lanolin-derived vitamin D3 and shellac coatings. Even supplements marketed as "natural" or "plant-based" may not be vegan.
In this guide, we'll cover:
✔ Which supplements are commonly not vegan
✔ Hidden animal ingredients to watch for
✔ How to tell if a supplement is vegan
✔ Vegan alternatives for omega-3, protein, vitamin D and collagen
Why aren't all supplements vegan?
Many people assume supplements are vegan because they contain vitamins, minerals or plant-based ingredients. However, the active ingredient is only one part of the formula.
Animal-derived ingredients can appear in:
- Capsule shells
- Tablet coatings
- Fillers and binders
- Flavourings and colourings
- Processing aids
- The active ingredient itself
Unlike food products, supplements are not always clearly labelled for dietary preferences. Terms such as "natural", "plant-based" and "clean" don't necessarily mean a supplement is vegan.
That's why it's important to look beyond the marketing claims and check the full ingredient list.
Hidden animal ingredients commonly found in supplements
Is Gelatin Vegan?
No. Gelatin is made from animal collagen and is commonly used to make capsules and gummies.
You'll often find gelatin in:
- Capsules
- Gummy vitamins
- Soft gels
- Children's supplements
Vegan alternatives:
- HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) capsules
- Pullulan capsules made from fermented tapioca
Is Whey Protein Vegan?
No. Whey protein is derived from milk during cheese production.
Whey is commonly found in:
- Protein powders
- Meal replacement shakes
- Sports nutrition products
- Beauty supplements
Vegan alternatives:
- Pea protein
- Brown rice protein
- Hemp protein
- Pumpkin seed protein
👉 Explore our vegan protein powders
Is Casein Vegan?
No. Casein is another protein derived from milk.
It's often used in:
- Overnight protein formulas
- Meal replacements
- High-protein snacks and powders
As with whey, vegans should choose plant-based protein alternatives instead.
Is Collagen Vegan?
No. Traditional collagen supplements are derived from animal connective tissue, including skin, bones and cartilage.
Collagen is commonly sourced from:
- Bovine collagen
- Marine collagen
- Chicken collagen
What about vegan collagen?
There is currently no true vegan collagen.
Products marketed as vegan collagen typically contain nutrients that support your body's own collagen production, such as:
- Vitamin C
- Silica
- Amino acids
- Antioxidant-rich plant extracts
Is Fish Oil Vegan?
No. Traditional omega-3 supplements are made from fish oil.
Fish oil is commonly used in supplements that support:
- Heart health
- Brain function
- Eye health
Vegan alternative:
Algae-derived omega-3.
Algae is the original source of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, making it an excellent vegan alternative.
👉 Explore Green Nutritionals Green Omega-3 Vegan Capsules
Is Vitamin D3 Vegan?
Not always.
Many vitamin D3 supplements are made from lanolin, which is derived from sheep's wool.
Vegan alternatives:
- Lichen-derived vitamin D3
- Shiitake mushroom-derived vitamin D
👉 Explore Hi-D Vegan Vitamin D Capsules
Is Carmine Vegan?
No.
Carmine, also called cochineal or E120, is a red colouring made from crushed insects.
It can appear in:
- Gummies
- Powders
- Capsules
- Children's supplements
Is Shellac Vegan?
No.
Shellac, sometimes called confectioner's glaze, is derived from lac insects.
It may be used to:
- Create shiny tablet coatings
- Protect ingredients from moisture
- Improve shelf life
Because it appears in small quantities, it can be easy to overlook.
Is Chitosan Vegan?
No.
Chitosan is derived from shellfish shells and is sometimes found in:
- Weight management supplements
- Fibre supplements
- Fat-binding products
People with shellfish allergies should also be cautious.
Are Propolis and Royal Jelly Vegan?
No.
Both are produced by bees and commonly appear in:
- Immune support supplements
- Beauty products
- Natural remedy formulations
Ingredients that may be animal-derived
Some ingredients can be either plant-derived or animal-derived, and labels don't always specify the source.
Is Magnesium Stearate Vegan?
Sometimes.
Magnesium stearate is used to:
- Help powders flow during manufacturing
- Prevent capsules sticking to machinery
- Improve production efficiency
It may be derived from:
- Animal fats, such as beef tallow
- Plant oils, often palm oil
Because supplement labels rarely disclose the source, it can be difficult to know whether it is vegan.
What to look for
Products that specify plant-based magnesium stearate
Brands that disclose ingredient sourcing
Palm-oil-free formulations where possible
Other ingredients that may be animal-derived
Check the source if these appear on the label:
Magnesium stearate
Stearic acid
Glycerin or glycerol
Amino acids such as L-cysteine, taurine or glycine
Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol
How can you tell if a supplement is vegan?
1. Check the ingredient list
See the table below.
Quick tip: If a supplement doesn't clearly state that it is vegan or doesn't disclose ingredient sources, it's worth taking a closer look.
2. Check the capsule material
Look for plant-based or "vegan-friendly" capsules such as:
HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)
Pullulan (fermented tapioca)
Avoid gelatin capsules.
3. Look beyond the active ingredient
Even if the vitamin or mineral itself is vegan, the capsule, flavouring, colouring or filler may not be.
4. Look for vegan certification
Some brands clearly state that products are suitable for vegans or carry vegan certification.
5. Choose transparent brands
Look for brands that:
- Disclose ingredient sources
- Use minimal, purposeful ingredients
- Clearly label plant-based formulations
What to look for on supplement labels
Common non-vegan ingredients
Gelatin
Hydrolysed collagen
Collagen peptides
Whey protein
Whey isolate
Casein
Milk solids
Lactose
Fish oil
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
Vegan-friendly alternatives to common supplement ingredients
| Instead of | Look for |
|---|---|
| Fish oil | Algae-derived omega-3 |
| Gelatin capsules | HPMC or pullulan capsules |
| Whey protein | Pea, rice or hemp protein |
| Lanolin-derived vitamin D3 | Lichen or shiitake-derived vitamin D |
| Animal collagen | Collagen-support nutrients such as vitamin C and silica |
At Biome, we take a careful 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 ingredients.
Our focus is on:
Plant-based, vegan-friendly formulations
Minimal, purposeful ingredients
Transparent and ethical brands
Australian-made products where possible
👉 Explore our range of vegan supplements
👉 Browse our natural supplements collection
Frequently asked questions
Are all supplements vegan?
No. Many supplements contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, collagen, fish oil, lanolin-derived vitamin D3 and dairy proteins.
Are all vitamins vegan?
Not always. While many vitamins themselves are vegan, the capsule, coating, flavouring or supporting ingredients may not be.
Why do supplements use gelatin?
Gelatin creates stable capsules and gummies and is relatively inexpensive for manufacturers. Vegan alternatives include HPMC and pullulan capsules.
Are gummy vitamins vegan?
Not always. Many gummy vitamins contain gelatin and may also contain carmine colouring.
Is magnesium stearate vegan?
Sometimes. It can be derived from either plant oils or animal fats, and the source is not always disclosed.
Is vitamin D3 vegan?
Most vitamin D3 is derived from lanolin from sheep's wool. Vegan versions are sourced from lichen or mushrooms.
Is collagen vegan?
No. Traditional collagen is always animal-derived. Vegan collagen products support the body's natural collagen production but do not contain collagen itself.
Is vegan omega-3 the same as fish oil?
Vegan omega-3 is typically sourced from algae rather than fish. Algae is the original source of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.
Can non-vegans take vegan supplements?
Absolutely. Vegan supplements can be used by anyone who prefers plant-based products or wishes to avoid animal-derived ingredients.
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 transparent brands that clearly disclose their ingredients — it's entirely possible to find supplements that support both your health and your values.
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.
