Do C and H Sugar Use Bone Char? An Ethical Consumer's Guide

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, ASR Group, the parent company of C&H, confirms that they use multiple methods for decolorization, including cow bone char, for certain refined sugar products. The answer to 'Do C and H sugar use bone char?' is therefore yes, though not for all product lines.

Quick Summary

Certain C&H sugar products, primarily refined white and brown sugars, are processed with bone char, while some specific organic and raw varieties are not. Consumers should check labels for specific designations or opt for verified organic options to avoid bone char.

Key Points

C&H uses bone char: The company uses cow bone char to filter and decolorize its conventional refined white and brown cane sugars.
Organic C&H is bone char-free: C&H's Certified Organic sugar products are not processed with bone char, in accordance with USDA organic standards.
Washed raw sugar is also an option: Some specific batches of C&H Washed Raw Sugar are made without bone char, but widespread availability can be inconsistent.
Bone char does not remain in the sugar: The char is a filtering agent and does not become an ingredient, which is why refined cane sugar can be kosher even if not vegan.
Alternatives to bone char exist: ASR Group, C&H's parent company, also uses non-animal-derived filtration methods, such as ion exchange resin and granular activated carbon.
Beet sugar is always bone char-free: Products made from sugar beets never use bone char, offering a consistent vegan-friendly alternative.

Understanding the Sugar Refining Process and Bone Char

For many ethical consumers, the process of how food is made is just as important as the final product. When it comes to sugar, the use of bone char is a major concern, particularly for vegans and vegetarians. Bone char is a porous, black, granular material produced by charring animal bones, typically from cattle, at very high temperatures. It is used as a decolorizing filter to produce the clean, white crystals of refined sugar. While no bone particles remain in the finished sugar, the use of an animal-derived product in the process is a deal-breaker for many.

The Refining Methods Used by C&H

C&H Sugar, a brand of cane sugar, is owned by ASR Group, one of the world's largest cane sugar refiners. In a 2021 update, the Vegetarian Resource Group confirmed that ASR Group uses multiple decolorization methods across its refineries.

Cow Bone Char: This traditional method is used to filter and whiten the sugar syrup for many of the company's conventional refined white and brown sugar products.
Ion Exchange Resin: A synthetic, non-animal-derived alternative to bone char, this method uses a polystyrene bed for filtration.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): This method uses a carbon filter derived from coal or coconut husks and is also bone char-free.

Because ASR Group uses a combination of these methods, and product sourcing can vary, it is difficult to know with certainty how any given bag of conventional refined C&H sugar was produced. This is why specific labeling becomes critical for consumers who wish to avoid bone char.

Which C&H Sugar Products Are Bone Char-Free?

Fortunately, for consumers looking to avoid bone char, C&H does offer products that do not use this process. Your best strategy is to look for these specific labels on the packaging:

Certified Organic Sugar: By USDA standards, certified organic sugar cannot be processed using bone char. Therefore, C&H's Certified Organic Sugar is a safe choice.
Washed Raw Sugar: According to reports, specific C&H Washed Raw Sugar is processed without bone char filtration, though availability can be limited.
Beet Sugar: While C&H exclusively sells cane sugar, it's worth noting that any product labeled as 100% beet sugar is always bone char-free. Beet sugar does not require the extensive decolorization process that cane sugar often does.

Comparing C&H Sugars and Alternatives

To better understand your options, here is a comparison of different sugar types and how they are processed with regard to bone char.


Sugar Type	Source	Uses Bone Char?	Notes
C&H Conventional White Sugar	Cane	Yes, likely	Refined to achieve its white color.
C&H Conventional Brown Sugar	Cane	Yes, likely	Refined white sugar with molasses added back.
C&H Certified Organic Sugar	Cane	No	Organic certification prohibits the use of bone char.
C&H Washed Raw Sugar	Cane	No	Processed without bone char, though availability varies.
Beet Sugar	Beets	No	Never filtered using bone char during its refining process.
Turbinado Sugar	Cane	No	A raw sugar with molasses left on; not put through bone char filters.

Finding Vegan Alternatives to C&H Sugar

If you prefer to avoid C&H products altogether due to bone char use, there are many alternatives available. Beyond checking for C&H's specific organic and raw varieties, consider these options:

100% Beet Sugar: Many store-brand granulated sugars in the Midwest and other parts of the U.S. are 100% beet sugar and are therefore bone char-free. Some brands specifically label their product as beet sugar.
Wholesome Sweeteners: This brand is known for its wide range of vegan-friendly and organic sugar products.
Florida Crystals®: As a sister company to C&H under ASR Group, Florida Crystals offers bone char-free options, including organic and conventional varieties.
Sugar in the Raw: A turbinado sugar product, it does not use bone char during its processing.
Coconut Sugar: Made from the sap of coconut palms, this unrefined sweetener is naturally bone char-free.

For more information on sugar production and vegan standards, a reliable resource is The Vegetarian Resource Group at https://www.vrg.org.

Conclusion

In summary, while C&H Sugar uses bone char in the processing of its standard refined white and brown sugars, it also offers vegan-friendly options for ethical consumers. To ensure your purchase is bone char-free, always opt for C&H's Certified Organic or Washed Raw sugar varieties. Alternatively, choosing 100% beet sugar or brands specifically marketed as vegan provides a sure way to avoid any animal-derived processing aids. Being a conscious consumer involves staying informed about food production practices, and with a little label reading, it's simple to find a sugar that aligns with your values.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, C&H does not use bone char for all its products. While conventional refined white and brown sugars typically involve this process, their Certified Organic and Washed Raw sugar products are bone char-free.

Most of C&H's products, including conventional refined white and brown sugar, are not considered vegan due to the use of bone char in processing. However, their certified organic and washed raw sugar varieties are bone char-free and suitable for a vegan diet.

Bone char is used as a filter during the sugar refining process to remove impurities and achieve the desired bright white color in the final cane sugar product.

The easiest way is to look for a 'Certified Organic' label, as these sugars are bone char-free. Sugar derived from sugar beets is also always bone char-free. For conventional cane sugar, it is often difficult to tell without contacting the company or checking with resources like the Vegetarian Resource Group.

No, bone char is used as a filter and does not leave any animal-derived particles in the final sugar product. The issue is the ethical concern of using an animal-derived product in the manufacturing process.

Conventional C&H brown sugar is not bone char-free. It is made by adding molasses to refined white sugar, which was likely processed using bone char.

Vegan sugar alternatives include 100% beet sugar, organic cane sugar (from any brand), turbinado sugar (like Sugar in the Raw), and coconut sugar. Brands like Wholesome Sweeteners and Florida Crystals also offer bone char-free options.