Which Granulated Sugars Are Vegan? A Comprehensive Guide

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to PETA, many standard white cane sugars in the U.S. are filtered using bone char, a substance made from animal bones, making them unsuitable for strict vegans. Navigating the sugar aisle can be confusing, but this guide will help you understand which granulated sugars are vegan and how to find them.

Quick Summary

This guide explains which types of granulated sugars, such as beet sugar and organic cane sugar, are consistently vegan. It details the process of identifying bone char-free products and lists common vegan-friendly sugar brands, empowering informed purchasing decisions.

Key Points

Check for Certifications: Look for 'USDA Organic' or 'Certified Vegan' labels to guarantee no bone char was used during processing.
Beet Sugar is Always Vegan: Sugar derived from sugar beets does not require bone char for filtration, making it a reliable vegan choice.
Refined Cane Sugar is Risky: Unless explicitly labeled otherwise, assume non-organic refined white cane sugar may have been filtered with bone char.
Raw and Unrefined Sugars are Safe: Minimally processed sugars like turbinado and demerara skip the bone char filtration step.
Brown Sugar Needs Scrutiny: Many brown sugars are just refined white sugar with added molasses, so confirm it's organic or vegan-certified.
Consider Alternative Sugars: Coconut and date sugars are inherently vegan and bone char-free.

Understanding the Sugar Refining Process

While all sugar originates from plants like sugarcane or sugar beets, the processing methods are what determine if the final product is vegan. The primary point of concern for vegans is the use of bone char.

The Role of Bone Char

Bone char is a porous, black substance made from the charred bones of cattle. It is used as a de-colorizing and filtering agent to give non-organic granulated cane sugar its pristine white appearance. The sugar itself does not contain bone char particles, as it is only a processing aid, but its use still makes the product non-vegan for many.

Vegan-Friendly Alternatives

Fortunately, many sugars do not use bone char in their production process. These include sugars made from beets and certain types of cane sugar.

Beet Sugar: This sugar is always vegan. The refining process for beet sugar does not involve bone char because the beets themselves are easier to process. Since manufacturers are not required to specify the source on the label, looking for a label that states "100% beet sugar" is a sure bet.
Organic Sugar: By USDA regulations, certified organic sugar cannot use bone char in its processing, regardless of whether it's from cane or beets. These sugars are often a pale beige or off-white color and are a safe choice for vegans.
Unrefined and Raw Cane Sugars: These sugars, including turbinado, demerara, and muscovado, are minimally processed and retain some of their natural molasses. This minimal processing skips the bone char filtration stage, making them vegan.
Coconut Sugar: Derived from the sap of coconut palm flowers, coconut sugar is a popular vegan alternative with a lower glycemic index and a caramel-like flavor.
Date Sugar: Made from dried, pulverized dates, date sugar is an unrefined, whole-food sweetener. Because it's essentially just ground fruit, it is always vegan.

Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Granulated Sugar Comparison

To help you distinguish between vegan and non-vegan options at a glance, consult the table below:


Feature	Conventional Refined Cane Sugar	Vegan-Friendly Alternatives
Source	Sugarcane	Sugarcane, sugar beets, coconut, dates
Bone Char Use	Often used for filtration	Never used (for vegan options)
Labeling	Often simply "sugar" or "pure cane sugar"	Certified Organic, 100% Beet Sugar, Raw, Unrefined, Vegan Certified
Appearance	Typically bright white	Off-white, pale beige, golden, or brown
Refinement Level	Highly refined	Minimally to moderately refined
Examples	Domino Sugar (some facilities), C&H (some facilities)	Wholesome!, Florida Crystals (Organic line), 365 Organic

Finding Vegan Sugar on the Label

Reading ingredient labels carefully is the best way to ensure a granulated sugar is vegan. Look for the following indicators:

Certifications: The most straightforward way is to look for a "Certified Vegan" logo or a "USDA Organic" seal.
Source Specification: If the package clearly states "100% Beet Sugar" or identifies itself as a non-cane variety like coconut or date sugar, it is vegan.
Refinement Type: Phrases like "raw cane sugar," "unrefined," or "natural" often indicate that bone char was not used. However, as with brown sugar, it is crucial to check the refinement process.

Hidden Animal Products in Sweeteners

Beyond bone char, some products that appear vegan can contain hidden animal-derived ingredients. For instance, some brown sugar is simply refined white sugar with molasses added back in, meaning it could have been processed with bone char. Similarly, confectioners' (powdered) sugar is a mixture of refined sugar and cornstarch, so its vegan status depends entirely on the source of the refined sugar.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Determining which granulated sugars are vegan requires a deeper look beyond the sugar's source plant. The key lies in understanding the refining process, specifically the use of bone char. While non-organic refined cane sugar is often filtered with this animal-derived substance, readily available alternatives like beet sugar, organic sugar, and raw cane sugars are consistently bone char-free. By looking for specific labels and certifications, vegans can confidently make ethical choices without compromising on sweetness. The availability of brands like Wholesome!, Florida Crystals Organic, and Trader Joe's Organic makes finding vegan granulated sugar simpler than ever.

For more information on the processing of sugar, a reputable source is The Vegetarian Resource Group, which has published updates and guides on bone char-free options for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all granulated sugar is vegan because non-organic white cane sugar is often filtered using bone char, a substance made from charred animal bones, during its refining process to achieve its white color.

Yes, beet sugar is always vegan. The refining process for sugar beets does not require the use of bone char, unlike some cane sugar refining methods.

The ingredient label is the key. Look for packaging that specifies "100% beet sugar." If it simply says "sugar," it could be a mix of beet and cane sugar, and you should look for an 'organic' or 'vegan' certification to be sure.

Yes, sugars certified as 'USDA Organic' are always vegan, even if derived from sugarcane. The USDA's organic regulations prohibit the use of bone char.

Yes, raw cane sugar, such as turbinado and demerara, is considered vegan. Its minimal processing skips the bone char filtration stage, leaving more of its natural molasses intact.

No, many conventional brown sugars are not vegan. They are often just refined white cane sugar (which may have used bone char) with molasses added back in. Opt for organic or raw brown sugar to ensure it's vegan.

Look for brands like Wholesome!, Florida Crystals Organic, Trader Joe's Organic, and Zulka. These brands either certify their products as vegan or use processes that are reliably bone char-free.