Is Kroger brand powdered sugar vegan? A nutrition diet guide for plant-based shoppers

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that some white sugar is not vegan? This is due to a refining process that may use bone char, a charcoal made from animal bones. For those on a strict vegan nutrition diet, this hidden ingredient can be a major concern, making the question, "Is Kroger brand powdered sugar vegan?" more complex than it seems at first glance.

Quick Summary

Many conventional cane sugars are filtered using bone char, a non-vegan process. While the standard Kroger powdered sugar is uncertain, the Simple Truth organic variant is vegan-friendly. The key is to look for products certified organic or sourced from sugar beets.

Key Points

Conventional Sugar Uncertainty: Standard, non-organic powdered sugar from Kroger may not be vegan because some cane sugar is refined using bone char from cattle bones.
Simple Truth Organic is Vegan: Kroger's Simple Truth Organic powdered sugar is certified vegan because USDA organic standards prohibit the use of bone char during processing.
Beet vs. Cane Sugar: Sugar from sugar beets is always vegan as it does not require bone char refining, unlike some cane sugar.
DIY is an Option: Vegans can make their own powdered sugar by blending a trusted source of vegan granulated sugar (like Simple Truth Organic) with a bit of cornstarch or tapioca starch.
Read Labels and Research: Always look for organic certification or reach out to the manufacturer for clarification if the product is not explicitly labeled vegan.

The Vegan Sugar Dilemma: Understanding Bone Char

For many new to a vegan diet, the discovery that white sugar may not be vegan is a major surprise. Since sugar comes from a plant, like sugarcane or sugar beets, it seems like a safe bet. However, the issue lies not in the sugar itself but in its refinement process. To achieve that pure white color, some cane sugar is filtered through a substance called bone char. This material, which acts as a decolorizing filter, is made from the charred bones of cattle. While no bone particles make it into the final product, the use of an animal-derived agent in the manufacturing process means the sugar is not considered vegan.

Beet sugar, on the other hand, is not refined using bone char, making it a reliable vegan option. The challenge for consumers is that it can be very difficult to know if a product is made from cane or beet sugar without contacting the manufacturer directly, as this information is not required on the label. This uncertainty is precisely why many vegans turn to alternatives or specifically labeled products.

Is Kroger Brand Powdered Sugar Vegan?

When considering Kroger's house brand powdered sugar, the situation requires careful attention to the product line. Kroger sells both a conventional and a Simple Truth Organic version. For the standard, non-organic Kroger brand powdered sugar, the vegan status is not guaranteed. Multiple vegan resources and community discussions indicate that store-brand conventional sugars, including Kroger's, often use bone char filtration for their cane sugar refining process. Because grocery chains frequently source their sugar from various refineries depending on cost, it is nearly impossible for the average consumer to verify the method used for any given batch. Without explicit labeling or confirmation from the company, most strict vegans would avoid the conventional version to be safe.

The Surefire Vegan Option: Simple Truth Organic

Fortunately for vegan shoppers, Kroger offers a clear alternative with its Simple Truth Organic® powdered sugar. USDA certified organic sugar is legally prohibited from being filtered with bone char. The ingredients listed for the Simple Truth Organic version are "Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Tapioca Starch," and it is explicitly marketed as vegan-friendly. This makes it a reliable and convenient choice for those adhering to a plant-based diet. Additionally, Kroger stocks several other certified vegan brands of sweeteners and baking products, including Wholesome™ and Florida Crystals®.

Vegan-Friendly Powdered Sugar Options

For those dedicated to an animal-free diet, plenty of choices exist beyond the standard offerings. These options provide peace of mind and often come with the added benefit of being fair-trade or less refined.

Certified Organic Sugars: Look for the USDA organic seal. Whether it's Simple Truth or another brand, this certification guarantees no bone char was used in refining.
DIY Powdered Sugar: For a simple, at-home solution, you can make your own powdered sugar using a high-speed blender or food processor. Just blend granulated sugar (organic or beet-based) with a tablespoon of cornstarch or tapioca starch per cup until it reaches a fine powder.
Pure Beet Sugar: Products explicitly labeled "beet sugar" or sold in Europe are generally safe. In the US, it is harder to confirm unless specified.
Alternative Sweeteners: Other baking options include coconut sugar, maple sugar, or monk fruit powder, which offer different flavor profiles and are inherently vegan.

Comparison: Kroger Conventional vs. Simple Truth Organic Powdered Sugar


Feature	Kroger Conventional Powdered Sugar	Simple Truth Organic Powdered Sugar
Vegan Status	Uncertain. May be refined with bone char depending on the source.	Vegan Confirmed. USDA organic certification prohibits bone char.
Source	Most likely cane sugar, but source can vary.	Certified organic cane sugar.
Refining Method	Potentially bone char filtration for decolorization.	Alternative, plant-based filtration methods.
Ingredients	Sugar, Corn Starch.	Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Tapioca Starch.
Price	Typically lower cost.	Higher price point due to organic certification.

How to Be Sure: Tips for Vegan Consumers

Look for Certification: The most reliable indicator is a USDA Organic or Certified Vegan label on the packaging.
Choose Beet or Coconut Sugar: If a product specifies it is made from beets or coconut, it is a safe bet that no bone char was used in processing.
Contact the Manufacturer: For products with unspecific "sugar" listed as an ingredient, reaching out to the brand's customer service is the only way to get a definitive answer.
Buy Store Brands with Caution: As seen with Kroger, different product lines within a store's brand can have different refining methods. Don't assume all store-brand items are vegan. Simple Truth is a good exception.
Go DIY: Making your own powdered sugar from a trusted vegan granulated sugar source is a simple, cost-effective way to guarantee its vegan status.

Baking with Vegan Sweeteners

Beyond powdered sugar, many other vegan sweeteners are suitable for baking and frostings. Maple syrup and agave nectar are excellent liquid options, while coconut sugar provides a caramel-like flavor. For a more direct swap in recipes, organic granulated sugar is a go-to. When it comes to homemade frosting, substituting vegan butter and a certified vegan powdered sugar works perfectly, as many recipes and sources confirm. Embracing these alternatives ensures your diet remains aligned with your ethical choices without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

While the answer to "Is Kroger brand powdered sugar vegan?" isn't a simple yes or no for every product, the guidance is clear. The conventional Kroger brand powdered sugar is not guaranteed to be vegan due to the potential use of bone char, a standard industry practice for refining cane sugar. However, Kroger's Simple Truth Organic powdered sugar is a safe and reliable vegan option, as USDA organic standards prohibit the use of bone char. For those seeking an assuredly animal-free sweetener, looking for organic certification, choosing beet-based sugars, or making your own powdered sugar are all viable and easy alternatives. Informed choices allow for delicious and ethical baking every time. Read more on the issue of sugar refining and vegan diets here.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all white powdered sugar is processed with bone char. Sugar from sugar beets is never filtered with it, and all USDA certified organic sugar is processed without bone char.

Generally, without contacting the manufacturer, it is very difficult to know if standard white sugar comes from cane or beets, as this is not a required labeling practice. The safest bet is to purchase certified organic sugar.

Bone char is used as a decolorizing filter during the refining of some cane sugar to achieve its bright white color. It does not remain in the final product but is used in the processing.

Yes, you can easily make vegan powdered sugar at home by blending certified organic granulated sugar with a small amount of cornstarch in a high-speed blender or food processor until it forms a fine powder.

Other brands known to be vegan-friendly often include those with an organic certification, such as Wholesome™ Organic, Florida Crystals®, and Simple Truth Organic®.

It is not definitively non-vegan, but because the refining process for generic cane sugar is inconsistent and often involves bone char, it is not considered reliably vegan for strict followers. The vegan status is uncertain.

Many brands of brown sugar are made by adding molasses back into refined white sugar, so if the white sugar was refined with bone char, the brown sugar is also not vegan. As with powdered sugar, looking for certified organic brown sugar is the safest choice.