Going out to eat can be challenging to a new vegan. Hidden nonvegan ingredients lurk behind every menu item, and servers may not know exactly what the chef is cooking into each dish. You can use this handy list as a friendly guide. Simply print this page and cut out the following list to offer to your server the next time you go to a nonvegan restaurant:
Hi! I’m vegan and CAN’T eat:
Butter or cream
Eggs
Cheese from cows or goats
Milk from cows or goats
Meat, poultry, lamb, or beef
Fish, shellfish, shrimp, or lobster
Gelatin
Honey
I CAN eat:
All fruits
All vegetables
All herbs and spices
Beans
Soy-based protein like tofu and tempeh
Grains
Pasta (that’s not made from eggs)
Olive oil