How to check vegan product information

When shopping for vegan groceries online, review the product title, product description, ingredient details, allergen information and any dietary claims shown on the product page.

Online information is intended to help customers make informed buying decisions, but it should not replace checking the product packaging before the product is prepared or consumed.

Before ordering, check:

• The product name and description.
• Ingredient information shown on the product page.
• Any vegan, vegetarian or plant-based claims.
• Allergen information and warning statements.
• Storage, preparation and usage instructions.
• Product images where available.

Why product packaging should be checked before use

Product ingredients, allergen statements, manufacturing processes, recipes, packaging and dietary claims can change. For this reason, the packaging supplied with the product should be treated as the final source of information before preparing or consuming the item.

This is particularly important for customers with allergies, intolerances, religious dietary requirements, strict vegan requirements or medical dietary needs.

When your order arrives:

• Check the product packaging before opening or preparing the item.
• Review the ingredient list and allergen statement carefully.
• Check any vegan or plant-based claim shown by the manufacturer.
• Check storage and preparation instructions.
• Do not consume the product if the information does not meet your requirements.

Vegan does not mean allergen-free

A vegan product does not automatically mean the product is free from allergens. Vegan products can still contain common allergens or be produced in environments where allergens are handled.

For example, a vegan product may contain soya, wheat, gluten, sesame, mustard, celery, nuts, peanuts or sulphites. Some vegan products may also carry “may contain” warnings due to shared manufacturing lines or facilities.

Common allergens in vegan products

Many vegan and plant-based products use ingredients that are common allergens. Customers should check labels carefully, especially when buying prepared foods, sauces, snacks, bakery items, plant-based alternatives and world food products.

Examples of allergens that may appear in vegan products include:

• Soya: tofu, soy sauce, textured vegetable protein and some plant-based alternatives.
• Gluten or wheat: noodles, pasta, bread, wraps, seitan, sauces and coated products.
• Sesame: tahini, sesame oil, seeds, sauces, dressings and bakery products.
• Mustard: sauces, dressings, marinades and seasoning blends.
• Celery: stocks, soups, sauces, seasoning mixes and prepared foods.
• Nuts and peanuts: snacks, sauces, desserts, plant-based products and cross-contact warnings.
• Sulphites: dried fruit, vinegar-based products, sauces and preserved foods.

For wider allergen guidance, visit our Ingredients, Allergens & Dietary Information page.

Cross-contact and manufacturing notices

Some vegan products may be manufactured, packed or stored in environments that also handle milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, nuts, peanuts, gluten, sesame or other allergens.

Manufacturers may include statements such as “may contain”, “made in a factory that handles”, or “produced on a line that also handles”. These notices are important and should be checked carefully.

What this means for customers:

• A product may be vegan by ingredients but still carry allergen cross-contact warnings.
• A product may not be suitable for customers with allergies even if it is labelled vegan.
• Customers with severe allergies should not rely on online category filters alone.
• Packaging and manufacturer guidance should be checked before use.

What to do if you are unsure about a vegan product

If you are unsure whether a product is suitable for your vegan, allergy, intolerance or dietary needs, do not consume the product until you have checked the packaging and received appropriate clarification.

Before purchasing, you can:

• Read the product page carefully.
• Check product images where available.
• Review the ingredients and allergen information shown online.
• Contact Nicol Retailer through live chat for help locating available product information.
• Contact the manufacturer directly where specialist dietary confirmation is required.

After delivery, you should:

• Check the physical product packaging before use.
• Do not consume the product if you are uncertain about suitability.
• Contact live chat if the product received appears different from what you expected.

Useful vegan shopping and guidance links

Use these links to continue shopping or read related guidance across the Nicol Retailer vegan content cluster.

• Vegan Groceries Online UK
• Shop All Vegan Products
• Shop Vegan Pantry Essentials
• Shop Vegan Sauces and Condiments
• Shop Vegan Snacks
• Vegan Pantry Essentials Guide
• Best Vegan Sauces and Condiments
• Vegan Tofu Recipes
• Ingredients, Allergens & Dietary Information
• Product Support