Why is confectioners sugar not vegan? Understanding the bone char process

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

A staggering 50% of the sugar sold in the US comes from sugarcane and is often refined with animal bones. This is why confectioners sugar is not vegan, as its key ingredient, refined white sugar, frequently undergoes a filtration process that uses bone char from cattle.

Quick Summary

The non-vegan status of many confectioners sugars is tied to the refining process of the white cane sugar used, which often employs bone char as a decolorizing filter, an animal byproduct.

Key Points

Hidden Animal Product: The primary reason why confectioners sugar is not vegan is the use of bone char, a filter made from animal bones, during the refining process of white cane sugar.
Processing Aid, Not Ingredient: Bone char is used as a filter to decolorize and purify the sugar, not as an ingredient that ends up in the final product.
DIY is an Option: Vegans can make their own powdered sugar by blending organic or beet-based granulated sugar with a bit of cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Look for Organic Labels: Certified USDA organic sugar is guaranteed to be vegan, as organic regulations prohibit the use of bone char in the refining process.
Beet Sugar is Vegan: Sugar derived from sugar beets is naturally whiter and does not require bone char, making it a reliable vegan option.
Geographic Differences: Sugar production methods vary by country; for example, most sugar in the UK does not use bone char, unlike much of the sugar produced in the US.

The surprising secret in your sugar bowl

Confectioners sugar, also known as powdered or icing sugar, appears to be a simple, plant-derived product made by finely grinding granulated sugar and adding a small amount of anti-caking agent, such as cornstarch. However, its vegan status depends entirely on the refining process of the granulated sugar from which it is made. The secret lies not in the final ingredients but in a hidden processing aid used by many cane sugar refineries: bone char.

What is bone char and how is it used?

Bone char is a porous, black, granular substance made from charring cattle bones at extremely high temperatures. While it does not become an ingredient in the finished product, it is used as a filter during the final stages of refining to remove impurities and bleach the raw sugarcane juice. This process is what gives conventional white cane sugar its clean, bright white color. The use of an animal-derived product, even as a processing aid, is why many vegans consider sugar refined this way to be non-vegan.

The impact on confectioners sugar

Because confectioners sugar is simply ground white granulated sugar, if the granulated sugar used in its creation was filtered with bone char, the resulting powdered product is not vegan. The same issue applies to most commercial brown sugars, which are typically made by adding molasses back into refined white sugar. While the bone char is filtered out and no animal particles remain in the final product, the ethical objection for many vegans is the financial support of industries that exploit and slaughter animals. The use of bone char allows slaughterhouses to profit from animal byproducts, making the entire process non-compliant with a vegan lifestyle.

How to identify vegan-friendly options

Fortunately, it is not difficult to find confectioners sugar that is vegan. The key is to know what to look for and to read labels carefully.

Certified Organic: In the United States, sugar labeled as USDA organic cannot be filtered using bone char. Instead, manufacturers use alternative, plant-based methods like granular activated carbon.
Made from Sugar Beets: Sugar derived from sugar beets is always vegan, as its refining process does not require bone char filtration. However, manufacturers are not required to label their products as beet sugar, so this can be less reliable unless explicitly stated.
Raw or Unrefined: Sugars labeled as “raw” or “unrefined” typically bypass the intensive filtration and bleaching process entirely, so they are always vegan-friendly. These sugars will often have a light tan or off-white color.
Look for Vegan Labels: Some brands will explicitly label their products as "vegan-friendly" or display a certified vegan logo on the packaging.
Contact the Manufacturer: For brands without clear labeling, a quick email to their customer service can clarify their refining practices.

Vegan Confectioners Sugar Alternatives

Instead of buying conventionally processed options, vegans can also use several alternatives in their baking and cooking.

Organic Powdered Sugar: As mentioned, choosing a certified organic version ensures that no bone char was used. Brands like Wholesome Sweeteners and Florida Crystals are known to be vegan-friendly.
DIY Powdered Sugar: For a foolproof vegan option, you can make your own. Simply blend organic or beet granulated sugar in a high-speed blender or food processor until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency. Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of sugar will prevent clumping.
Other Sweeteners: Date sugar, maple sugar, or powdered monk fruit are excellent plant-based alternatives for different applications.

Refined Cane Sugar vs. Vegan Sugar Options


Feature	Conventional Refined Cane Sugar	Organic or Beet Sugar	Homemade Vegan Powdered Sugar
Source	Sugarcane	Sugarcane or Sugar Beets	Organic or Beet Sugar
Refining Process	Often uses bone char as a filter	Uses plant-based filters or different processes	Blended from granulated vegan sugar
Vegan Status	Not vegan	Vegan	Vegan
Typical Color	Bright white	Off-white to tan	Varies based on source sugar
Certification	Not explicitly labeled vegan	Often carries a USDA Organic or Vegan label	Not applicable, as it's homemade

Conclusion

While the base of confectioners sugar—whether from sugarcane or sugar beets—is a plant, the widespread use of bone char in the refining process makes many conventional brands non-vegan. This ethical consideration is a crucial distinction for individuals following a vegan lifestyle, despite no animal products remaining in the final food item. By seeking out certified organic products, opting for beet sugar, or making their own powdered sugar at home, consumers can easily ensure their sweet treats align with their vegan values. Being an informed shopper and understanding these hidden processes is essential for a cruelty-free kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all white sugar uses bone char. While it is common for conventional cane sugar in the US to be filtered this way, beet sugar and certified organic sugars do not use bone char.

Most commercial brown sugar is made by adding molasses to refined white cane sugar. If that white sugar was processed with bone char, the resulting brown sugar is not vegan.

You can check the packaging for a 'certified vegan' or 'organic' label. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their refining methods.

Yes, you can easily make your own. Simply blend granulated sugar from a vegan source (such as certified organic or beet sugar) with a small amount of cornstarch in a high-speed blender.

The core difference is the filtration agent. Non-vegan sugar refining often uses bone char. Vegan methods use plant-based activated carbon or ion-exchange resins to achieve a similar result.

Yes, sugar derived from sugar beets is always vegan. Its natural composition and different refining process mean it does not require bone char for decolorization.

For many vegans, the ethical objection extends beyond the final ingredients. Supporting a manufacturing process that uses and profits from animal byproducts, such as bone char from cattle, is considered non-vegan.