The L-Plate Vegetarian

Drink And Be Merry!

Too much to think about? Don’t panic! Obviously, most drinks are completely vegetarian and all supermarkets provide a wide selection of everything so you’re spoiled for choice.

But if you fancy a change from the normal cup of tea or coffee, why not try some of the huge range of herbal teas? There are loads of flavours – from calming chamomile to zingy wake up drinks! We like the Clipper range, with their great selection of organic and fair trade products. But if you’re feeling fruity then what you need is a delicious and nutritious smoothie. Use whatever fruits you want because any combinations go! Blend them up and mix in some orange juice, milk or natural yogurt for a refreshing drink; or simply check out your supermarket’s chiller cabinet and buy a ready-made bottle. Alternatively try a Frijj Fresh Thick Milkshake in chocolate, strawberry, chocolate and white chocolate flavours. Or tasty soya strawberry, chocolate or banana shake made by Provamel.

See, easy! A couple of things for you to watch out for though as you scan the ingredients lists:

• In soft drinks watch out for colourings, such as cochineal (E120 – a dye made from insects) which is occasionally used.
• Sugar-free cordials contain lanolin (a sebum extracted form sheep’s wool).
• Many wines are fined using one of a whole range of nasty bits: blood, bone marrow, chitin, fish oil, gelatine and milk casein. It’s difficult to tell from the bottle, but some supermarkets such as Tesco and Co-op do label them clearly. Wine merchants such as Oddbins and also health food shops will be able to tell you which wines are suitable for vegetarians.
• Beers too can be cleared with isinglass (obtained from the air sacs of freshwater fish). Keg, canned and some bottled beers are usually okay but Guinness, Scottish & Newcastle and Bass (except Grolsch and the bottled Staropraman) are out. Vintage Roots have a worldwide selection of organic wines, beers, ciders, spirits and juices available by mail order. Also check out the Viva! Wine Club for a choice of 100 veggie organic wines, beers and spirits. For a free wine catalogue call Viva! on 0117 944 1000!

If you are concerned the easiest solution is to contact the manufacturers or look them up in the Animal Free Shopper, a small but handy book published by the Vegan Society and available from Viva! (call 0117 944 1000).

Before you set off to buy your crate of grape juice all is definitely not lost because most spirits are fine! (Be warned however, Campari contains cochineal for colouring and Warninks contains eggs). Let’s party!

Next Section: Eating Out