We are living in the age of the con. Our president serves as our “con-artist-in-chief,” a tour guide of sorts in the art of deception.

One thing I should have learned in life—but I still seem to require regular reminders—is that if something becomes popular, everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon and extract their own element of profit. Nowhere is this more evident than in food.

As someone who has lost (and gained) significant amounts of weight on my mesomorphic frame, I’ve yo-yoed back and forth on the scale. I’ve also been on all manner of wacky diets—like the time I was pounding protein in the form of bacon and steak, with very few vegetables or fruit items. It’s only been the last few years where I’ve focused on eating healthier foods, while eliminating as much processed junk as possible.

In the fall of 2016, just prior to Mark leaving on his final walk, I decided to become a plant-based vegan. I have no regrets about that choice, and I’m glad Mark knew his mom and dad had become healthier humans prior to his death.

I still have a tendency to eat more calories than I need and if I’d simply stick to non-processed foods, I probably wouldn’t be carrying around an extra 10 pounds. I’m optimistic about summer and more activity for helping me with some of that.

The other day, I assumed that a cheese product was vegan. With the name Go Veggie, I was duped into believing that it was a brand of non-dairy cheese that was entirely plant-based. I was wrong.

Veggie, not vegan.

I don’t remember why I decided to check the label the day after we used the product for delicious quesadillas, but when I did, I noted that their cheddar-style shreds contained casein. Casein is a milk protein commonly found in processed foods. Since it’s derived from milk, it’s not vegan. Actually, “duped” isn’t a term that’s fair to the company and brand. They do have some vegan options, I just need to be sure that what I buy is entirely dairy-free and labeled as such (but I’ll still look at the label, too).

Always check the label.

Having “veggie” in your name makes you attractive to anyone looking for plant-based options. And it you’re a vegetarian, the Go Veggie we used would be fine (as long as you don’t have a dairy allergy).

Next time, I’ll be sure to check my ingredients and also look for labeling indicating it’s vegan. Many food manufacturers are now doing this with their plant-based, vegan products.