Confused about dairy "alternatives"

[Pugvet]

I was shopping yesterday and noticed something odd--The "VeggieSlices" cheese alternative has casein in it. What's that about? Why is it an alternative if it still has dairy in it? And why is it called VeggieSlice?

Also....I found a website yesterday (sorry, didn't bookmark it) that said that "8th Continent" Soymilk is not vegetarian because it contains lanolin in it. Apparently lanolin comes from the hide of sheep. Why is this? Why would a company make soymilk that wasn't vegetarian? What kind of alternative is that?

[Eva-bo-beva]

Veggieslices and most soy cheeses are made for people with lactose intolerance, not vegans. Most lactose intolerant folks can take casein. It helps the fake cheese stretch.

[IamJen]

Pug...you'll find many products like this. VB is a great place to ask for recommendations though. If there's an item you have a question about, there's a good chance someone here can help you with an answer/product review.

[CharityAJO]

Yea, a lot of the "alternatives" are marketed for people with health concerns: Lactose intolerance being one.

When eighth continent came out, it was marketed as the most healthy "milk" drink out there - it was formulated to make you feel light and wonderful after drinking it, not to be a vegetarian product. Presumably, someone would have it to wash down a turkey sandwich.

Do let us know if you want some recommendations on good vegan products. :)

[kpickell]

I use the veggie slices, as they seem a good compromise until a vegan alternative is sold locally. Casein is a small concern to me as it's a byproduct of a byproduct that will go away as dairy production is reduced. Avoiding it doesn't do anything to reduce animal suffering, so that's why I'm not too concerned. But if they sold vegan cheese at our local stores I'd buy that instead.

[Spasmic]

I use the veggie slices, as they seem a good compromise until a vegan alternative is sold locally. Casein is a small concern to me as it's a byproduct of a byproduct that will go away as dairy production is reduced. Avoiding it doesn't do anything to reduce animal suffering, so that's why I'm not too concerned. But if they sold vegan cheese at our local stores I'd buy that instead.

That's a fair compromise...I hadn't thought about that.