What companies use bone char to whiten sugar? A deep dive into nutrition and ethical consumption

According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, some major sugar companies in the United States use bone char—a charcoal made from animal bones—to filter and decolorize their cane sugar. Understanding what companies use bone char to whiten sugar? is crucial for vegans, vegetarians, and those who prioritize ethical consumption in their nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

Several prominent sugar brands use bone char to process and whiten their refined cane sugar. However, alternatives like beet sugar and certified organic sugars are always free of bone char. Labels do not typically disclose this refining method, so consumers must research brands or look for specific certifications to ensure their sugar aligns with their dietary preferences.

Key Points

• Refined Cane Sugar: Major brands like Domino and C&H use bone char to filter and whiten their conventional refined cane sugar.

• Organic Certification: Certified organic sugar, by regulation, does not use bone char and is a reliable vegan option.

• Beet Sugar: Sugar derived from sugar beets is always bone char-free, as it uses a different refining process.

• Unrefined Options: Sugars such as turbinado, sucanat, and muscovado are minimally processed and do not undergo bone char filtration.

• Ethical Consideration: For vegans and conscious consumers, avoiding sugar processed with bone char is an important part of an ethical and cruelty-free nutrition diet.

Why Bone Char is Used in Sugar Refining

Bone char, also known as natural carbon, is a porous, black, granular material created by incinerating cattle bones at very high temperatures. It is primarily used in the refining of cane sugar to act as a decolorizing filter, removing impurities and giving the sugar its bright white, crystalline appearance. The bones are sourced internationally, and while no bone char remains in the final sugar product, its use in the process makes the sugar non-vegan. For those following a strict plant-based lifestyle, this is a significant ethical consideration. The use of bone char is a decades-old practice, though modern alternatives like granular activated carbon and ion-exchange resins are now available.

Major Sugar Brands and Their Practices

It can be challenging for consumers to determine a product's processing method, as labels do not disclose if bone char was used. However, organizations like The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) have researched and documented the practices of major sugar manufacturers. In the United States, American Sugar Refining (ASR) is a key player, producing sugar under several well-known brand names. According to a 2021 VRG update, ASR uses three different methods for decolorization across its facilities: cow bone char, ion-exchange resin, and granular activated carbon. This means that some of their products may be filtered with bone char, while others are not.

Identifying Non-Bone Char Sugar

For those seeking to avoid sugar processed with bone char, several reliable alternatives exist. The key is to look for sugar that has either not undergone the same refining process or is guaranteed to use different filtration methods.

• Certified Organic Sugar: By USDA regulations, certified organic sugar cannot be filtered with bone char. This is one of the most reliable ways to ensure your sugar is vegan.
• Beet Sugar: Sugar derived from sugar beets does not require bone char for processing, making it a naturally vegan-friendly option. If a product label indicates the sugar is from beets, it is bone char-free. In the United States, sugar sold without specifying its source is often a mix of beet and cane sugar.
• Unrefined Sugars: Sugars like sucanat, turbinado, demerara, and muscovado are less processed and retain some of their natural molasses, giving them a light to dark brown color. This minimal processing skips the bone char filtration step.
• Specific Vegan-Friendly Brands: Some companies have committed to not using bone char across their entire product line or for specific products. These include Wholesome! and Florida Crystals (when explicitly certified organic).

Comparison of Sugar Types for Ethical Consumers

For ethical consumers focused on their nutrition diet, understanding the options is key. The table below compares common sugar types and their refining processes related to bone char.

Sugar Type	Refining Method	Bone Char Status	Vegan Friendly	Color	Common Use
Standard Refined Cane Sugar	Can use bone char, granular activated carbon, or ion-exchange resin	Possible use of bone char, check brand	Often not vegan	White	Baking, general sweetening
Beet Sugar	Ion-exchange resin	Always bone char-free	Vegan	White	Baking, general sweetening
Organic Cane Sugar	Activated carbon, no bone char	Always bone char-free	Vegan	Off-white to tan	Baking, specialty uses
Turbinado Sugar	Minimally processed, some filtering	Always bone char-free	Vegan	Golden-brown	Coffee, topping baked goods
Brown Sugar	Refined cane sugar with added molasses	Often uses bone char from refining white sugar	Often not vegan	Brown	Baking, sauces

Companies to Research for Ethical Choices

While specific company practices can change, here is a breakdown based on recent information from sources like the Vegetarian Resource Group and PETA:

• Domino Sugar / ASR Group: American Sugar Refining is a large parent company for brands like Domino and C&H. They openly state they use various refining methods, including bone char, at different facilities. This means that conventional, non-organic products from these brands are likely processed with bone char.
• Wholesome!: This brand is known for its certified organic and fair-trade products, which are produced without bone char.
• Florida Crystals: This brand is part of the ASR Group, but their organic sugar is certified and therefore not processed with bone char. Consumers must check for the certified organic label.
• Trader Joe's Organic Sugar: This product is certified organic and thus free from bone char.
• Store Brands: Many supermarket-branded sugars source their products from multiple refineries, making it nearly impossible to determine if bone char was used. It is safest to assume conventional store-brand cane sugar is not bone char-free unless certified organic.
• Zulka: This brand is known for its minimally processed, vegan-friendly sugar.

Making Informed Nutritional and Ethical Choices

For those invested in a conscious lifestyle, whether for health or ethical reasons, the sugar-refining process is a key consideration. While bone char does not introduce animal particles into the final sugar, its use is an ethical concern for many. Opting for certified organic cane sugar, beet sugar, or unrefined alternatives offers peace of mind. In addition to ethical concerns, reducing overall sugar intake is a cornerstone of a healthy nutrition diet. This knowledge empowers consumers to make choices that align with their values without compromising on their dietary preferences.

Conclusion

While many people focus on the sugar content in their nutrition diet, ethical consumers must also be aware of the refining processes involved. Major companies like Domino and C&H, under the American Sugar Refining Group, use bone char for some of their conventional cane sugar products. However, reliable alternatives exist. By choosing certified organic cane sugar, beet sugar, unrefined options like turbinado, or brands like Wholesome!, consumers can avoid sugar processed with animal products. Knowing what companies use bone char to whiten sugar and actively seeking out alternatives is a powerful step toward a more mindful and ethical approach to food consumption. For more information, the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is an excellent resource for ongoing updates on sugar manufacturers and their refining methods.

VRG's Bone Char Free Sugar Update

Key Takeaways

• Bone Char Use: Major sugar manufacturers like Domino and C&H use bone char from animal bones to filter and whiten conventional cane sugar, though it's not listed as an ingredient.
• Vegan Alternatives: Vegan-friendly sugar options include all beet sugar, certified organic cane sugar, and unrefined sugars like turbinado and sucanat.
• Identifying Vegan Sugar: Look for USDA organic certification, labels mentioning beet sugar, or the word 'unrefined' to ensure the sugar is bone char-free.
• Contacting Manufacturers: For products with generic sugar listings, contacting the company directly is the most reliable way to confirm the refining process.
• Ethical Considerations: Choosing bone char-free sugar is a key aspect of ethical consumption for vegans and vegetarians, aligning dietary choices with ethical principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific companies are known to use bone char for sugar refining?

American Sugar Refining (ASR), the parent company of brands like Domino and C&H, has used bone char in some of its facilities to process conventional cane sugar. Consumers should check for certified organic or beet sugar options from these companies.

Is beet sugar always vegan and bone char-free?

Yes, beet sugar is always processed without bone char. The refining process for sugar beets does not require bone char, making it a safe option for vegans.

How can I tell if a store-brand sugar uses bone char?

It is very difficult to know for certain if a store-brand sugar uses bone char, as they often source from multiple refineries. The most reliable way is to choose a certified organic store-brand option or to contact the manufacturer directly for clarification.

Does brown sugar contain bone char?

Conventional brown sugar is often made by adding molasses back into refined white cane sugar. If the original white sugar was processed with bone char, the resulting brown sugar would also not be considered vegan. Opt for organic or unrefined brown sugar to be certain.

What is the alternative to bone char used in sugar refining?

Alternatives to bone char include granular activated carbon, which is often made from coal or coconut husks, and ion-exchange resins.

Is the bone char left in the sugar?

No, no bone particles are left in the final sugar product. The bone char acts as a filter that the sugar solution is passed through, and then it is removed. The use is entirely for filtration, but it is an ethical concern for vegans.

What are some reliable vegan sugar brands?

Several brands are known for producing vegan-friendly sugar, including Wholesome!, Florida Crystals (organic only), Zulka, and many store-brand organic options like those from Trader Joe's and Kroger.