The Core of the Vegan Cider Question
For many, hard cider seems like a simple, naturally vegan beverage, brewed from fermented apple juice. However, this assumption is often incorrect. The vegan status of a cider, including those from a major brand like Angry Orchard, hinges on specific ingredients and fining processes used during production. While most of the base product is apples, honey is a non-vegan ingredient that is sometimes used for flavor or sweetness, and fining agents of animal origin may be used to clarify the liquid.
The Angry Orchard Ciders That Are Not Vegan
Angry Orchard has been transparent about which of its products are not suitable for vegans on its official FAQ page. The reason for their non-vegan status is the inclusion of honey in the recipe.
Non-Vegan Varieties Explained
- Angry Orchard Crisp Apple: This flagship variety, while naturally gluten-free, explicitly contains honey as an ingredient according to the company and various product listings. The honey is added to balance the flavor profile.
- Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Unfiltered: Similar to its filtered counterpart, the unfiltered version of Crisp Apple also contains honey, making it non-vegan.
- Angry Orchard Easy Apple: Designed to be a lighter, less complex cider, Easy Apple also uses honey in its recipe and is therefore not vegan.
The Angry Orchard Ciders That Are Vegan
Fortunately for vegan consumers, many of Angry Orchard's popular flavors are confirmed vegan-friendly. These ciders achieve their flavor and clarity without using any animal-derived ingredients or fining agents.
Vegan-Friendly Varieties Listed
- Angry Orchard Rosé: This popular pink cider, made with a blend of apples and infused with a touch of rose coloration, is vegan-friendly.
- Angry Orchard Green Apple: Known for its tart, bright, and slightly sour taste, the Green Apple cider is suitable for vegans.
- Angry Orchard Cinnful Apple: This spicy, cinnamon-infused variety is confirmed to be vegan-friendly.
- Angry Orchard Apple Ginger: The Apple Ginger flavor, offering a zesty kick, is also a vegan option.
Why Ciders Can Be Non-Vegan
Understanding the cidermaking process sheds light on why some products aren't vegan. Beyond honey, certain fining agents play a significant role.
The Role of Fining Agents
Fining agents are substances added to beverages to help remove haze or sediment by causing tiny particles to clump together and settle to the bottom. Common animal-derived fining agents include:
- Isinglass: A gelatin-like substance derived from fish bladders.
- Gelatin: Derived from animal collagen.
- Casein: A milk protein. While these agents are generally removed from the final product, their use means the cider is not considered vegan. Fortunately, vegan alternatives like bentonite clay are widely available.
The Sweetening Factor
As seen with several Angry Orchard varieties, honey can be used to add sweetness and complexity. While some might consider honey a grey area, it is widely not considered vegan since it is an animal product.
Angry Orchard Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Comparison Table
| Angry Orchard Variety | Vegan Status | Key Ingredients | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crisp Apple | Not Vegan | Contains Honey | Most widely recognized non-vegan flavor. |
| Crisp Apple Unfiltered | Not Vegan | Contains Honey | Unfiltered version with honey. |
| Easy Apple | Not Vegan | Contains Honey | Lighter option that includes honey. |
| Rosé | Vegan | No animal products | A blend of six apple varieties with a pink hue. |
| Green Apple | Vegan | No animal products | Known for its tart, balanced flavor. |
| Cinnful Apple | Vegan | No animal products | A seasonal or limited release spiced flavor. |
| Apple Ginger | Vegan | No animal products | Another limited release featuring ginger. |
Is Angry Orchard Gluten-Free?
For those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, there's good news. Angry Orchard confirms that all of its ciders are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients and produced using gluten-free equipment to prevent cross-contamination. This makes their products a safe alternative to beer, whether the specific flavor is vegan or not.
Conclusion: Making Your Vegan Cider Choice
Making a conscious choice about your beverages, including hard ciders, is a significant part of a vegan lifestyle. While not all Angry Orchard varieties are vegan due to the use of honey in some flagship products, many popular flavors are perfectly suitable. Always check the company's official FAQ or a reliable vegan resource like Barnivore before purchasing a new flavor to ensure it aligns with your dietary standards. The increasing demand for transparent labeling and vegan options continues to grow, making it easier for consumers to find cruelty-free products. For further verification on a variety of alcoholic beverages, you can visit Barnivore's website.
