Tag: Animal products in beer

For centuries, brewers have used fining agents to produce clear, bright beer. The most notorious of these is isinglass, a collagen from fish swim bladders, which has led many to wonder: do they put fish in beer?

While the core ingredients of beer—water, malt, hops, and yeast—are plant-based, a significant number of beers are not vegetarian. The decision often comes down to the fining process, where animal-derived products are used to clarify the liquid. Understanding these hidden ingredients is key for any vegetarian beer enthusiast.

Despite being brewed from just water, hops, yeast, and grain, a surprising number of beers are not truly vegan. A beer may contain animal-derived products introduced during the brewing process, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet, often for reasons that aren't obvious to the casual drinker.

While beer is fundamentally made from four simple, plant-based ingredients—water, grain, hops, and yeast—it's the finishing touches that often determine its vegan status. A significant number of beers are not vegan due to the use of animal products during the clarification or flavouring process.

While the core ingredients of beer—water, malted barley, hops, and yeast—are all plant-based, a surprising number of beers contain hidden animal products. This is a crucial aspect of a **Nutrition Diet**, as vegans need to know **why can't vegans have beer** in certain cases due to non-vegan processing aids and additives.