Understanding the non-vegan ingredients in cider
At its core, hard cider is simply fermented apple juice, a process that relies on yeast and natural sugars. However, the issue of whether a cider is truly vegan lies in the filtration, clarification, and flavoring processes. Many commercial ciders use animal-derived fining agents and additives that make them unsuitable for a vegan lifestyle. The good news is that many craft producers use alternative, plant-based methods.
Common animal fining agents
Fining agents are used by cider makers to remove cloudiness and sediment, resulting in a clearer, more polished final product. Unfortunately, many of these are derived from animal products. Key non-vegan finings include:
- Isinglass: A form of collagen made from dried fish swim bladders, commonly used to clarify beer and cider.
- Gelatin: Derived from the boiled bones, skin, and connective tissues of animals like cows and pigs, used to bind excess tannins.
- Casein: A milk protein, often used in wine and cider production.
- Chitin/Chitosan: A fining agent derived from the shells of crustaceans like crabs.
- Albumen: Derived from egg whites, sometimes used to clarify beverages.
Other non-vegan ingredients
Beyond fining agents, some ciders may contain other animal products, such as:
- Honey: Used as a backsweetener to add flavor and sweetness after fermentation.
- Carmine (E120): A red food coloring derived from cochineal beetles, sometimes used in fruit-flavored or rosé ciders.
- Lactose: A milk sugar that can be added to increase sweetness and body.
Vegan-friendly fining alternatives
Fortunately for vegans, there are plenty of plant-based ways to clarify cider. Many craft producers, and an increasing number of commercial ones, use these alternatives to create certified vegan ciders. These include:
- Bentonite clay: A negatively charged clay that binds to positively charged particles.
- Irish moss: A dried seaweed product used to precipitate proteins.
- Activated charcoal (carbon): Absorbs off-flavors and colors, leaving the cider clear.
- Natural settling: Some producers simply allow the solids to settle out naturally over time and rack the cider off the sediment, creating an unfiltered product.
Vegan vs. non-vegan hard ciders: A comparison
| Feature | Vegan Ciders | Non-Vegan Ciders |
|---|---|---|
| Clarification | Uses plant-based finings (e.g., bentonite clay) or is left unfiltered. | May use animal-derived finings like isinglass (fish swim bladders), gelatin, or casein. |
| Sweeteners | Often uses fruit juice, apple juice concentrate, or cane sugar, or is naturally dry. | Can contain honey or lactose for added sweetness. |
| Coloring | Uses naturally-derived colors or fruit juices. | May use carmine (E120), a red dye from crushed cochineal beetles, especially in pink or fruit-flavored varieties. |
| Transparency | Many brands explicitly label their products as vegan-friendly on packaging or websites. | Labeling is not required for ingredients, making confirmation difficult without checking with the manufacturer. |
| Availability | A growing number of craft and some mainstream ciders are proudly vegan, with resources like Barnivore providing detailed lists. | Many widely-distributed, large-scale commercial ciders may not be vegan-friendly due to standardized fining practices. |
How to check if a hard cider is vegan
Since ingredient labeling is not mandatory for alcoholic beverages in many countries, finding a vegan cider requires a bit of research. Here are the best ways to ensure your cider is vegan:
- Check for certification: Look for a vegan certification logo on the bottle or can. Many brands that prioritize being vegan will state it clearly.
- Look for “unfiltered” or “unfined”: Unfiltered or unfined ciders, by definition, do not use fining agents, making them a safe vegan choice.
- Consult online resources: Websites like Barnivore maintain a crowd-sourced database of vegan-friendly alcohol brands. This can be an excellent resource for checking popular ciders.
- Check the brand's website: Many companies now post FAQs regarding their vegan status. Visiting the producer's official website can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Be wary of certain flavors: Fruit ciders, especially those with pink or red coloring, may contain cochineal. Ciders marketed as sweet may use honey or lactose.
Popular vegan-friendly hard cider brands
Many hard cider brands are either fully vegan or offer specific vegan varieties. Notable brands include:
- Woodchuck: The cidery confirms on its website that its products are free of animal-derived fining agents. A quick check on Barnivore further confirms many specific varieties as vegan-friendly.
- Strongbow: While some varieties are not vegan, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Cloudy Apple, and Rosé are specifically listed as vegan-friendly.
- Angry Orchard: While the popular Crisp Apple variety is not vegan, the company offers several vegan-friendly options, such as Cinnful Apple, Green Apple, and Rosé.
- Thatchers: Many ciders from this UK brand are vegan-friendly.
- Brother's Cider: This UK-based company explicitly discusses its vegan options and use of plant-based alternatives for filtration.
- SkinnyBrands: Their fruit ciders are certified vegan.
Conclusion: Navigating the world of vegan cider
While the apple at the heart of cider is always vegan, the manufacturing process can introduce animal-derived ingredients, from fining agents like isinglass and gelatin to colorings and sweeteners. The key for a vegan consumer is to be informed and proactive. By checking for certifications, looking for unfiltered options, and consulting reliable online databases, it is easy to find a delicious and ethical hard cider. As the demand for plant-based products grows, more brands are adopting vegan-friendly practices and transparent labeling, making the search for your next favorite vegan cider easier than ever before. Cheers to compassionate sipping!
