Why sugar is not vegan?
Sugar is not considered vegan by most vegans because it is derived from plants, which undergo processing and refinement steps that involve the use of animal products or byproducts. Here are some reasons why:
1. Bone Char Filtration: In the process of removing molasses from white sugar, some manufacturers use bone char filtration. This involves grinding up animal bones and filtering the sugar syrup through them to remove impurities. The final product may contain trace amounts of animal protein or DNA.
2. Animal-Derived Ingredients: Some sugars, such as brown sugar and muscavado, contain small amounts of molasses, which can be filtered using animal-derived materials like gelatin. Additionally, some sugars may be processed using equipment that has been previously used to process animal products.
3. Exploitation of Bees: While honey itself is not considered vegan, the exploitation of bees in the production of certain types of sugar can also be a concern for many vegans. Bees are often subjected to poor living conditions and pesticide exposure when they pollinate monoculture crops like sugarcane and sugar beets.
It’s important to note that not all sugars are processed in this way, and there are plenty of plant-based alternatives available. Vegans can choose to avoid these issues by opting for unrefined sugars like coconut sugar, maple syrup, and agave nectar, which do not involve any animal products or exploitation.