Why is Granulated Sugar Not Vegan?

According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, a significant portion of sugar sold in the US is filtered through bone char, an animal byproduct. This is the key reason why granulated sugar is not vegan, despite its plant-based origin.

Quick Summary

Many refined cane sugars are not vegan due to the use of bone char, a charcoal made from animal bones, during the filtering process. This step removes impurities and creates the stark white color, rendering the product unsuitable for strict vegans. Vegan alternatives exist, including beet sugar and certified organic sugars.

Key Points

• Bone Char Filtration: Refined granulated cane sugar is often filtered using bone char, a charcoal made from animal bones, to achieve its white color.

• Beet Sugar is Vegan: Sugar derived from sugar beets is never processed with bone char and is always vegan.

• Organic Sugar Guarantee: USDA Certified Organic sugar is always vegan, as bone char is prohibited in its production.

• Labeling Challenges: Manufacturers often do not disclose whether their sugar was refined with bone char, making it hard to identify non-vegan sugar without specific labels.

• Vegan Alternatives: Plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, and coconut sugar are excellent vegan alternatives to granulated sugar.

The Hidden Ingredient: Bone Char

Granulated sugar, the common white table sugar, is typically derived from sugarcane. While sugarcane is plant-based, the refining process for much of this sugar involves bone char. Bone char is a black, porous material made from charred animal bones, primarily from cattle. Sugar manufacturers use it as a decolorizing filter to remove impurities and create white sugar. Although the final sugar product contains no bone char particles, its use in processing makes the sugar non-vegan for many.

The Vegan Alternatives to Non-Vegan Cane Sugar

Vegans have several bone char-free sugar options:

• Beet Sugar: Always vegan, as its refining process does not use bone char. It is often found in unlabeled white sugar.
• Organic Sugar: USDA Organic certification guarantees no bone char is used. This sugar may be slightly off-white.
• Raw Sugar: Minimally processed sugars like turbinado and demerara typically skip bone char filtration.
• Other Plant-Based Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar, and date sugar are also vegan alternatives.

Identifying Vegan and Non-Vegan Sugars

Identifying vegan sugar requires checking labels carefully.

Look For:

• "Certified Vegan" label.
• "USDA Organic" label.
• "100% Beet Sugar".
• "Unrefined" or "Raw" labels.

Be Wary Of:

• Generic "Pure Cane Sugar" or "Granulated Sugar" without other certifications.
• Brown sugar, which is often refined white sugar with added molasses.
• Confectioner's sugar, made from granulated white sugar.

Comparison of Common Sugar Types

Feature	Conventional Refined Cane Sugar	USDA Certified Organic Sugar	Beet Sugar	Raw/Unrefined Sugar
Source	Sugarcane	Sugarcane or sugar beets	Sugar beets	Sugarcane
Refining Method	Filtered with bone char	Filtered without bone char	Filtered without bone char	Minimally filtered
Vegan Status	No (for strict vegans)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Color	Bright white	Off-white to tan	Bright white	Light brown to golden
Commonality	Very common in the US	Becoming more common	Often mixed into generic brands	Found in health food sections

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Standard granulated cane sugar is non-vegan because bone char, an animal byproduct, is used in its refining process. Vegans can ensure their sugar is bone char-free by looking for specific labels like "organic" or choosing alternatives such as beet sugar or plant-based liquid sweeteners. As demand for ethical products increases, vegan sugar options are becoming more widely available, allowing vegans to make informed choices that align with their values.

The History of Bone Char

Bone char has been used in sugar refining for centuries to achieve a white color. While vegan alternatives like activated carbon exist, some refineries continue using bone char. This historical practice means vegans must be mindful of sugar sourcing.

Visit Vegan.org for more information on the certification process for vegan products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does granulated sugar contain bone char as an ingredient?

No, granulated sugar does not contain bone char as an ingredient. Bone char is used as a filter during processing and is not present in the final product, but its use makes the sugar non-vegan.

Is all refined sugar non-vegan?

No, not all refined sugar is non-vegan. Refined cane sugar is often processed with bone char, but refined beet sugar is not. Also, some refineries use vegan-friendly alternatives like activated carbon.

How can I tell if a sugar brand is vegan?

Look for a "Certified Vegan" or "USDA Organic" label on the package. If the sugar is labeled as being derived from 100% sugar beets or is marketed as unrefined or raw, it is also vegan.

Is brown sugar vegan?

Most brown sugar is not vegan. It is typically made by adding molasses back into refined white sugar. If that white sugar was filtered using bone char, the resulting brown sugar is not vegan.

What happens if I accidentally eat sugar refined with bone char?

While the sugar is not considered vegan due to its processing, no animal parts are present in the final product. A vegan accidentally consuming it has not ingested animal ingredients, but the production method violates vegan ethical standards.

Do all countries use bone char to refine sugar?

No, the use of bone char varies by country and manufacturer. Some regions, like parts of India, primarily use other methods like sulfur dioxide or activated carbon.

Are there any vegan sugar brands I can trust?

Yes, many brands offer vegan sugar. Look for those specifically labeled as vegan, organic, or derived from sugar beets. Brands often cited as vegan-friendly include Wholesome!, Florida Crystals (organic line), and Trader Joe's Organic.