Is there something different about them?
A few years back I started taking algae dha. I was really really surprised that I had a noticeable improvement in my focus and attention span.They were also pricey! I was in CVS drugstore looking at their buy one get one free vitamins and saw they had a large bottle of algae dha with the same potency I'd been taking. I also read that all algae DHA sold in US was through the same source. Not only BOGO, but just one large bottle was far cheaper than any I found elsewhere! They had -- gelatine capsules...
I paced the aisles back and forth, I left, came back, paced. I finally bought them.
I honestly don't even identify as vegan except to those who wouldn't understand anything else, because I will make these kinds of exceptions. While I did finish those bottles I have since relegated my capsules to vegan ones, as it did give me unease.
I guess my point is that if you feel a need to make an exception the best thing to ask yourself is how does your choice affect the larger picture? I know no more or less animals were harmed by my choice, and I only changed out of my own discomfort
Everyone is different in how they perceive their actions. When I first went vegan I avoided all potential ingredients, the l-cystiene, mono and di glycerides, emailed companies for the source of enzymes and natural flavors, if I didn't know, I didn't buy or consume.
As time went on I found myself being far more at ease with avoiding the animal products, but I also realized every little thing wasn't as big a deal as other people were to me.
Relationships are far more than picking each other apart. Whether they feel the need to avoid something is entirely their choosing, and your reaction to their choices is your own.