“Ingredient Kosher” for Vegans

If I’m looking at a vegan product for year-round, what are the potentially-problematic ingredients to look out for? I presume vinegar, but anything else? I want to be able to decide for myself and know what to look for rather than post here every time I see...

“Meat” Fries

Must one wait 6 hours after eating fries from a meat restaurant or does this ש״ך (or another reason) exonerate one from waiting in such a case?

Chili bean paste

Is this kosher Sephardic Ingredients: Salted chili peppers (chili peppers, salt), water, fermented soybean paste (water, salt, soybean, wheat flour), fermented broad bean paste (broad beans, water, salt, wheat flour), sugar,  modified corn starch, chili pepper powder,...