Is Somersby cider vegan? What you need to know

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the brand's official FAQ, while the majority of Somersby's ciders are made from vegan-friendly ingredients, certain red-tinted varieties contain carmine (E120), an insect-derived colorant. This means the question of "Is Somersby cider vegan?" depends entirely on the specific flavor and your location.

Quick Summary

The vegan status of Somersby cider is flavor-dependent; some varieties are vegan, while others, particularly those with a red or pink color, contain carmine (E120), an insect-derived dye. Consumers should always check the ingredient list for specific color additives.

Key Points

Not all Somersby cider is vegan: The vegan status is flavor-dependent, so always check the specific product.
Carmine (E120) is the non-vegan ingredient: Some red and pink Somersby ciders use this dye derived from crushed insects.
Flavors to avoid: Specifically, Blackberry, Red Rhubarb, Sparkling Rosé, and Sparkling Spritz varieties typically contain carmine.
Vegan-friendly options exist: Standard Somersby Apple and Pear ciders are generally considered vegan.
Labels are your best tool: Due to regional variations, reading the ingredient list for E120 or 'carmine' is the most reliable method to confirm vegan status.
Other vegan ciders are available: If in doubt, many other cider brands are entirely vegan-friendly, such as Thatchers and Stowford Press.

The complexities of finding a vegan cider

For many, a vegan diet is a straightforward matter of avoiding meat, dairy, and eggs. However, navigating the world of alcoholic beverages can be surprisingly complicated. The brewing and production process for products like cider, beer, and wine can involve non-vegan fining agents to clarify the liquid. In the case of Somersby, the issue is not these agents but rather the use of carmine, a red dye. While the company states that most of its ciders are vegan-friendly, it explicitly mentions that some fruit-flavored ciders are not.

Carmine (E120): The primary non-vegan ingredient in Somersby

Carmine, also known as cochineal or carminic acid, is a red colorant derived from the dried, crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. These insects are native to tropical and subtropical areas of South America and Mexico. The dye is extracted and used widely across the food and beverage industry to achieve a vibrant red or pink hue. For vegans and some vegetarians, this animal-derived ingredient is unacceptable. Somersby's own website acknowledges the use of carmine (E120) in specific flavors, providing clarity for concerned customers.

The importance of checking labels and regions

Product formulations can differ significantly depending on the country. A flavor that is vegan in one market might not be in another, due to differing ingredient sourcing and local regulations. This means checking the ingredient list on the packaging is the most reliable method. Always look for the code E120 or the name "carmine" or "cochineal". Furthermore, a company's official FAQ is a good source of truth, but dedicated vegan resources like Barnivore offer crowd-sourced information that can cover a wider range of regional products.

Vegan Somersby flavors vs. non-vegan flavors

Based on information from Somersby's official FAQs and vegan resources like Barnivore, it's possible to distinguish between vegan and non-vegan options. The rule of thumb is that flavors with a naturally clear or amber color are more likely to be vegan, while those with a red or pink tint are suspect. However, always confirm this by reading the label.

Here is a list of some flavors and their known vegan status, noting that this can vary by region:

Vegan-Friendly: Apple Sparkling Cider (UK), Pear Sparkling Cider (UK), Watermelon Sparkling Cider (UK), Elderflower & Lime Sparkling Cider (UK), Blueberry Sparkling Cider (UK), Apple 0.0% Sparkling Cider (UK).
Not Vegan-Friendly: Blackberry Sparkling Cider (UK), Red Rhubarb Sparkling Cider (UK), Sparkling Rosé Cider (UK), Sparkling Spritz Cider (UK).

Comparison Table: Vegan-Friendly Somersby vs. Non-Vegan Somersby (UK)


Feature	Vegan-Friendly Somersby (e.g., Apple)	Non-Vegan Somersby (e.g., Blackberry)
Vegan Status	Yes	No
Color	Clear/Golden	Red/Dark
Key Non-Vegan Ingredient	None	Carmine (E120)
Colorant Source	Caramel (E150c)	Crushed Cochineal Insects
Transparency	Clear ingredients	Potential for non-vegan additives

Vegan alternatives to Somersby

For those who discover their favorite Somersby flavor is not vegan, there are many excellent vegan-friendly cider alternatives available on the market. These brands often use non-animal-based fining methods, like bentonite clay or mechanical filtration, to achieve clarity. Some options to consider include:

Thatchers: Many of their ciders are confirmed vegan-friendly.
Stowford Press: The entire range is confirmed vegan.
Aspall: Most of their products are vegan, though it's always wise to double-check.
Crafty Nectar: This brand has created specific vegan ciders.

For a broader list, online resources like Barnivore's vegan cider guide can help you find suitable options.

Conclusion

While the vast majority of Somersby's ingredients are vegan-friendly, the inclusion of carmine (E120), a non-vegan red colorant, in specific flavors like Blackberry, Red Rhubarb, Sparkling Rosé, and Sparkling Spritz means that not all Somersby cider is vegan. The core apple and pear flavors, however, typically do not contain this ingredient and can be considered safe for vegans. Given that recipes and ingredients can differ by country, the most important step for any vegan consumer is to carefully inspect the ingredient list on the packaging for carmine (E120) before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flavors of Somersby that are typically not vegan include Blackberry, Red Rhubarb, Sparkling Rosé, and Sparkling Spritz, as they contain the insect-derived colorant carmine (E120).

Carmine, also known as cochineal or E120, is a red food colorant made from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. It is not considered vegan because it is an animal-derived product.

Yes, standard Somersby Apple cider is widely regarded as vegan-friendly, as it does not contain carmine or other non-vegan ingredients.

No, most Somersby ciders are vegan-friendly. The brand's official FAQ states that carmine is only found in specific varieties, typically those with a reddish or pinkish color.

To be certain, always check the ingredients list on the packaging for E120, carmine, or cochineal. You can also consult vegan-specific resources like Barnivore for user-reported information.

Yes, product formulations can vary by country due to different regulations and market preferences. For example, some flavors may be vegan in one country but contain carmine in another.

No, Somersby products are not tested on animals. The vegan concern is strictly about the inclusion of animal-derived ingredients like carmine (E120) in some recipes.