evidence: Gold leaf that is deemed "vegan" is usually one whose manufacturer has avoided the use of animal byproducts in its production process. Companies like Barnabas Gold and others fit this mold, making their gold leaf 100% vegan from start to finish, throughout the manufacturing process. [...] Unlike vegans, vegetarians may or may not avoid gold leaf depending on its production methods. Though the final gold leaf production does not contain animal products, the manufacturing process might. Vegetarians who care about the process and the potential use of animal byproducts may avoid gold leaf for conscience sake, while others may choose to indulge with or without vegan certification. [...] Because some manufacturers may not completely avoid the use of animal byproducts during their production process, it is important that someone living a vegan lifestyle chooses to purchase their gold leaf from a company that sells vegan gold leaf.