Is Guinness in Ireland vegan? The Complete Answer

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

Since 2018, all Guinness products sold worldwide, including in Ireland, have been confirmed as vegan, following a significant change in their filtration process. This was a major shift for the iconic Irish stout, which for centuries was not considered suitable for those on a plant-based diet, answering the question: Is Guinness in Ireland vegan?

Quick Summary

Guinness became vegan in 2018 after replacing its traditional filtration method using isinglass, a fish-derived product, with a new plant-based process. The core recipe remains unchanged.

Key Points

Now Vegan: All Guinness products, including draught, bottles, and cans, are vegan as of 2018.
Isinglass Removed: The change occurred when Guinness stopped using isinglass, a fish-derived product, for filtration.
Taste is the Same: The core recipe remains unchanged, so the classic taste is preserved.
Global Change: The vegan status applies to Guinness products sold worldwide, including in Ireland.
Check Specialty Brews: Some older or specialty products may not be vegan; always check current product listings.
Core Ingredients: Guinness is brewed with roasted barley, malted barley, hops, yeast, and water, all of which are plant-based.

The History of Guinness and Isinglass

For generations, the traditional brewing process for Guinness involved a fining agent called isinglass. Isinglass is a type of gelatin derived from the swim bladders of fish, primarily sturgeon. Its purpose was to aid in clarifying the beer by attracting and precipitating unwanted yeast particles, leaving a clearer final product. While the isinglass itself was not meant to remain in the finished stout, its use in the process meant the beer could not be classified as vegan or vegetarian. This practice was standard in the brewing industry for many historical beers, leading to the long-standing misconception that Guinness was not suitable for a plant-based diet.

The Brewing Revolution

In 2015, following sustained pressure from vegan activists and shifting consumer demands, Diageo, the parent company of Guinness, announced its intention to move away from isinglass. This decision marked a major update to the brewing operations at its historic St. James's Gate brewery in Dublin. The company committed to developing and implementing a new, state-of-the-art, non-animal-based filtration system. The transition occurred in phases, with the new process being rolled out for kegs first in 2016, and then for bottled and canned products by 2018.

The Vegan Transformation: From Isinglass to Modern Filtration

The new filtration system uses advanced technology to remove the yeast without the need for any animal products. Master brewers worked for years to perfect this new process, ensuring that the distinctive flavor, color, and mouthfeel of Guinness remained consistent with the beloved classic. This technological innovation allowed the company to meet the demands of a growing vegan and vegetarian market without compromising the quality that has made the stout famous for over two centuries. The core ingredients—roasted barley, malted barley, hops, yeast, and water—have always been plant-based, so the only barrier to vegan certification was the clarification process.

What about other Guinness products?

While the iconic Draught, Extra Stout, and Foreign Extra Stout are all confirmed vegan, it's always wise to verify the status of new or special releases. For example, Guinness 0.0, the non-alcoholic version, is also brewed without isinglass and is suitable for vegans. However, some limited-edition or experimental brews might have different processes or ingredients. Reputable vegan beer guides, such as Barnivore, are excellent resources for checking specific products from around the world.

Comparison: Old Guinness vs. New Guinness


Feature	Old Guinness (Pre-2018)	New Guinness (Post-2018)
Filtration Method	Isinglass (fish bladder)	Modern, plant-based technology
Vegan Status	Not Vegan	Vegan-Friendly
Timeframe	Until late 2018 (bottles/cans)	As of 2018 for all products
Taste Profile	Classic Guinness taste	Unchanged Classic Guinness taste

Vegan-Friendly Guinness Products

Guinness Draught: Available on tap, in cans with the widget, and in bottles. Fully vegan since 2018.
Guinness Extra Stout: Also known as Guinness Original, this is vegan worldwide.
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout: This product is also confirmed to be vegan.
Guinness 0.0: The non-alcoholic offering is vegan, made with the same natural ingredients but with the alcohol gently removed through a cold filtration process.
Guinness Cold Brew: A newer addition to the lineup, confirmed as vegan.

Conclusion

For vegans, the change in Guinness's filtration process is a cause for celebration. A product that was off-limits for centuries is now a universally-enjoyable stout, accessible to anyone following a plant-based diet. This transition demonstrates a commitment to modern brewing techniques and shows that a company can evolve to meet the needs of its customers without sacrificing the quality that made it a legend. So, the next time you visit a pub in Dublin or pick up a can from the store, you can be confident that your Guinness is indeed vegan-friendly. The rich, creamy, and distinctively Irish flavor can now be enjoyed by all. Barnivore, a useful resource for checking vegan beer status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guinness became officially vegan in 2018, when its parent company, Diageo, completed the rollout of its new filtration process for all products, including kegs, bottles, and cans.

Historically, Guinness used isinglass, a fining agent derived from fish bladders, to clarify the beer and remove excess yeast. The use of this animal product made it unsuitable for vegans.

No, according to Guinness brewers, the move to a new plant-based filtration system did not alter the classic taste of the stout. The core recipe was never changed.

Most core Guinness products, including Draught, Extra Stout, and Foreign Extra Stout, are now vegan. However, it is always a good idea to check specific or limited-edition variants, though most have followed suit.

Yes, Guinness 0.0 is also vegan-friendly. It is brewed with the same natural ingredients before the alcohol is gently removed through a cold filtration process.

Isinglass is a collagen product made from the swim bladders of fish. In brewing, it is used as a clarifying agent to help settle and filter out yeast and other particles during the fining process.

Yes. As the transition was completed for kegs in 2016 and all products by 2018, any Guinness you order from a modern tap system in Ireland will be vegan.