The Honey Problem: Unmasking a Non-Vegan Ingredient
For many vegans, the discovery that their favorite hard cider isn't plant-based comes as a surprise. The assumption is that fruit-based drinks are inherently vegan. However, a closer look at the ingredient list for many of Angry Orchard’s ciders reveals the inclusion of honey, a product of animal origin. Bees produce honey, and its harvesting is considered animal exploitation within the vegan philosophy.
Which Angry Orchard Ciders Contain Honey?
According to Angry Orchard's own FAQ and various vegan product databases, honey is a component of several of their most popular offerings. This makes these specific products unsuitable for a vegan diet. This isn't a blanket rule for the entire brand, as some varieties are indeed vegan-friendly. It is important for consumers to read labels or consult updated vegan resources before purchasing. The use of honey is often for sweetening purposes, providing a flavor profile that is different from simple cane sugar.
Beyond Honey: The Cider Fining Process
While honey is the primary issue for Angry Orchard's non-vegan status, it’s worth understanding another common reason some ciders and alcoholic beverages are not vegan: the fining process. Fining is a clarification and stabilization process that occurs after fermentation to remove yeast cells, tannins, and other small particles that can make the finished product hazy. Unfortunately, some fining agents are derived from animals.
- Isinglass: A gelatin-like substance derived from the swim bladders of fish. It is a very effective fining agent for clarifying liquids like beer, wine, and cider.
- Gelatin: Sourced from the collagen of animal hides and bones, typically pigs and cows. It's a common fining agent in winemaking and can also be used in cider.
- Casein: A protein derived from milk. It is used to fine white wines and sometimes cider to remove harsh tannins and clarify the liquid.
It is important to note that the finished cider is often racked off these agents, meaning they are not in the final product itself. However, because they are used in the manufacturing process, the cider is not considered vegan. Angry Orchard does not use these agents, but their use of honey makes many flavors non-vegan.
Comparison of Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Ciders
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of two ciders, one from Angry Orchard and an example of a known vegan alternative.
| Feature | Angry Orchard Crisp Apple | Ace Perry Hard Cider |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | Not Vegan | Vegan Friendly |
| Key Non-Vegan Ingredient | Honey | None |
| Base Ingredients | Apples, cane sugar, honey | Pears, apples, agave, cane sugar |
| Primary Sweetener | Cane sugar and honey | Agave and cane sugar |
| Fining Process | Fined without animal products | Fined without animal products |
| Certifications | Not certified vegan | Certified vegan on Barnivore |
Finding Vegan-Friendly Hard Cider Alternatives
For those seeking a hard cider that is guaranteed to be vegan, there are many excellent options available. Many craft cideries and larger brands are making an effort to produce vegan-friendly products, often using non-animal-based fining methods like bentonite clay, or skipping the fining process altogether, resulting in a cloudier but still delicious product.
- Ace Cider: Offers a wide variety of vegan-friendly ciders, including Pineapple, Apple, and Perry.
- Austin Eastciders: Most of their ciders are vegan, but always check the label for any that may contain honey, like their Texas Honey Cider.
- Strongbow: Some varieties, like the UK versions, are listed as vegan-friendly.
- Angry Orchard (Vegan Varieties): If you still want to support the brand, some flavors are vegan, such as Green Apple, Rosé, and Cinnful Apple.
Conclusion
The question of why is Angry Orchard not vegan is a crucial one for many consumers, and the answer is clear: the inclusion of honey in some of its most popular flavors. While the brand has some vegan options, it is essential for shoppers to be diligent about checking labels. This highlights the broader point that consumers should not assume any alcoholic beverage is vegan without first confirming its ingredients and manufacturing process, as even transparent-looking liquids can involve animal products through fining. For those committed to a vegan lifestyle, exploring the many fully vegan hard cider brands available is a satisfying alternative. For more detailed information on which specific products are vegan, consulting dedicated resources like Barnivore is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Angry Orchard Crisp Apple not vegan? Angry Orchard Crisp Apple is not vegan because it contains honey in its recipe, which is an animal-derived product.
Are there any Angry Orchard ciders that are vegan? Yes, several Angry Orchard ciders are vegan-friendly, including Green Apple, Rosé, and Cinnful Apple, but it is always best to double-check the specific product you intend to purchase.
Why is honey considered a non-vegan ingredient? Honey is considered non-vegan because it is a product created by bees, and vegan philosophy seeks to avoid all forms of animal exploitation, including the harvesting of honey.
Do all ciders contain animal products? No, not all ciders contain animal products. Many smaller craft producers and some larger brands use only plant-based ingredients and don't rely on animal-derived fining agents like isinglass or gelatin.
What are fining agents in cider? Fining agents are substances used in cider production to clarify the liquid by causing solid particles like yeast and tannins to clump together and fall to the bottom of the vat, which are then removed.
What are some vegan hard cider alternatives to Angry Orchard? Several brands offer vegan-friendly ciders, including Ace Cider, Austin Eastciders (check for honey varieties), and many smaller craft breweries listed on resources like Barnivore.
How can I be sure a cider is vegan? To confirm a cider is vegan, read the ingredient list for honey or other non-vegan additives, contact the company directly, or use a reliable vegan resource such as Barnivore.
Does Angry Orchard use gelatin in its production? No, Angry Orchard's non-vegan status is due to the honey in some recipes, not the use of animal-derived fining agents like gelatin, casein, or isinglass.
