The Role of Bone Char in Sugar Refining
For those on a vegan diet, understanding the production of everyday food items is essential, and sugar is no exception. While sugar itself is derived from plants like sugarcane or sugar beets, the refining process can introduce animal products, specifically bone char. Bone char, also known as 'natural carbon,' is a porous, black, granular material made from the charred bones of cattle. It is widely used in the cane sugar industry as a decolorizing filter to help give sugar its clean, white appearance. This practice is common in the United States, and since the bone char is only a filter and not an ingredient, companies are not required to list it on the packaging.
Not all sugar undergoes this process. Sugar derived from beets, for instance, does not require bone char filtration and is considered consistently vegan. However, Domino sugar is made from sugarcane, making it essential to scrutinize its refining process to determine its vegan status. ASR Group, the parent company of Domino, uses different refining methods at its various facilities, meaning the vegan status is determined by where the sugar was processed.
How to Check if Your Domino Sugar is Vegan
Fortunately, Domino provides a way for consumers to determine if their specific package of granulated sugar is bone char-free by checking the lot code. The lot code is a series of numbers and letters typically printed on the back or bottom of the bag. The key is to look at the first digit of this code, which corresponds to the refinery location.
To find a vegan-friendly package, look for a lot code that begins with a '1', '4', or '6'.
- Lot code starting with '1': Indicates the sugar was processed at the Domino Yonkers, NY refinery, which is bone char-free.
- Lot code starting with '4': Indicates the sugar was processed at the Domino Baltimore, MD refinery, which is bone char-free.
- Lot code starting with '6': Indicates the sugar was processed at the Domino South Bay, FL refinery, which is bone char-free.
Conversely, if you see a lot code beginning with a '5' or '7', the sugar is not vegan. The '5' code signifies processing at the Chalmette, LA refinery, and '7' signifies the Crockett, CA facility, both of which utilize bone char. It's important to note that Domino's Light Brown and Dark Brown Sugars made in South Bay are also not vegan because they use molasses from the Chalmette facility.
Vegan-Specific Domino Sugar Products
Beyond checking the lot code, some Domino products are inherently vegan, regardless of the refinery. These are your safest bets for a plant-based diet.
- Domino® Turbinado Sugar: This product is less refined than standard granulated white sugar. It is explicitly stated by Domino to be made without using bone char and is confirmed as vegan. It is characterized by its large crystals and slight molasses flavor.
- Domino® Organic Raw Cane Sugar: The USDA organic certification prohibits the use of bone char in the processing of sugar, making any sugar with this label a safe vegan choice. Domino offers an organic raw cane sugar that meets this standard and is produced according to the USDA's National Organic Program.
Comparison of Domino Sugar Products
| Product | Vegan Status | How to Verify | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Cane Granulated Sugar | Varies by refinery | Check lot code (1, 4, or 6 = vegan) | Most common variety, requires careful checking. |
| Pure Cane Brown Sugar | Not vegan | Avoid lot codes starting with 5 or molasses from Chalmette | Dark brown sugar is often refined white sugar with molasses added back. |
| Pure Cane Powdered Sugar | Varies by refinery | Check lot code (1, 4, or 6 = vegan) | Typically follows the same refining process as granulated sugar. |
| Organic Raw Cane Sugar | Vegan | Certified USDA Organic | The organic label guarantees bone char-free processing. |
| Turbinado Sugar | Vegan | Check product description | Specifically manufactured without bone char filtration. |
| Golden Sugar | Varies by refinery | Check lot code | This less-processed sugar may be vegan depending on its facility. |
Alternatives to Domino Cane Sugar
For those seeking alternatives to cane sugar, several options are consistently vegan due to their processing methods or source. These are excellent choices for a plant-based diet, offering different flavors and textures for various culinary needs.
- Beet Sugar: Derived from sugar beets, this sugar is always vegan as it does not require bone char for its whitening process. It's a common source for granulated sugar in the US, but it is not labeled as beet sugar unless it's the main brand selling it.
- Coconut Sugar: Made from the sap of coconut palm trees, coconut sugar is a less-processed option with a lower glycemic index and a caramel flavor.
- Date Sugar: This is a whole-food sweetener made by drying and grinding dates. It's less refined and retains fiber, making it a nutritious alternative.
- Maple Syrup: Harvested from maple tree sap, pure maple syrup is a classic, naturally vegan sweetener.
- Agave Nectar: This syrup comes from the agave plant and is a versatile, vegan-friendly sweetener.
Making Informed Choices for a Vegan Diet
Navigating the sugar aisle can be tricky for vegans, but it is far from impossible. By understanding the refining process and knowing what to look for on packaging, you can confidently choose a cruelty-free sweetener. For Domino products, checking the lot code is your best bet for granulated and powdered sugar, while the Organic Raw Cane and Turbinado varieties offer guaranteed vegan status. Remember, the safest alternative is always to opt for beet sugar or other naturally-derived sweeteners, which bypass the bone char issue entirely. Being an informed consumer empowers you to make dietary choices that align with your values. For more detailed information on vegan sugar refining processes, The Vegetarian Resource Group offers excellent resources, such as its blog post from June 2021.
Conclusion
Determining which Domino sugar is vegan is a two-step process: first, know which products are inherently safe (like Organic Raw Cane and Turbinado), and second, for other cane sugars, always check the lot code for processing location. Lot codes starting with '1', '4', or '6' indicate a bone char-free refinery. Meanwhile, lot codes '5' and '7' signal the use of bone char, making those products non-vegan. Staying vigilant and reading labels are key to ensuring your sweet treats align with your vegan lifestyle.
