Tag: Ethical beekeeping

While standard veganism has seen a boom in recent years, one small but significant subset is also gaining traction: beeganism. But what is a beegan? This term refers to an individual who follows a plant-based diet similar to a vegan, but makes a specific ethical exception for consuming bee-derived products, particularly honey.

While often celebrated as a healthy sugar alternative, one tablespoon of honey contains more calories (approx. 64) than a tablespoon of granulated sugar (approx. 49). This prompts the question: is there a downside to honey, and what potential issues should consumers be aware of?

A single bee will produce just one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its entire lifetime, a fact that sheds light on the immense effort and resources involved in its production. This reveals a core ethical reason why honey is not vegan friendly, as the harvest prioritizes human desires over the needs and welfare of the bees themselves.

The global consumption of honey has surged, with many consumers drawn to premium products labeled 'organic'. This growing market naturally leads to a crucial question: **is organic honey really worth it** for the health and environmental benefits it claims to offer compared to its conventional counterpart?

Approximately one-third of the world's food supply is dependent on pollinators, primarily bees. The term 'beegan' refers to an individual who follows a vegan diet but also includes honey and other bee products, focusing on an approach that supports ethical beekeeping and bee health.

According to the Ontario Beekeepers' Association, an average worker bee produces only one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its entire life. This small amount, and the bees' reliance on it for survival, is at the heart of the ethical debate surrounding the question: **Is honey vegan?**