Is cider vegan?
Many ciders are vegan, but not all. Some cider makers clarify cider with fining aids of animal origin, such as gelatine or isinglass, and some flavoured ciders contain honey. Fining aids usually do not appear in the ingredient list, so look for a vegan statement on the label or ask the maker.
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Why some ciders are not vegan
The Vegan Society defines veganism as a way of living that seeks to exclude, "as far as is possible and practicable", all forms of exploitation of animals; in dietary terms, it means "dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals". [1] Two things can make a cider fall outside that:
- Fining aids. HMRC's list of permitted fining aids for cider and perry includes bentonite, gelatin, isinglass and tannin. [2] Gelatine is made from animal bones [3], and isinglass is a fish product. [4] [5]
- Honey. BJCP notes that honey additions usually put a drink into experimental cider or cyser styles. [6]
Can I tell from the label?
Usually not. Under EU food information rules, processing aids are not listed as ingredients [7] [5], and drinks with more than 1.2% alcohol do not need an ingredient list at all. [8] [5] A vegan symbol or a statement from the maker is the reliable route.
Which ciders are more likely to be vegan?
- Unfined, cloudy ciders. A cider that was not fined does not need a fining aid, though turbidity alone is no guarantee. The guide to how cider is made explains the steps.
- Ciders cleared by filtering. PNW 621 says most ciders are filtered to make a clear, bright product. [9] For home makers, how to clear cloudy cider compares the options.
- Ciders with a vegan statement. Some makers state this on the label or on their website.
For other dietary questions, see is cider gluten free and does cider contain sulphites.
Related answers: is cider gluten free · how to clear cloudy cider
Find it on Cider Radar
- Scan a label in Cider Radar to open the bottle card with tasting notes and community ratings, then check the maker's own information.
- Guide: what is cider? · Glossary: keeving
- Open the map: app.ciderradar.com · iPhone · Android
Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
Questions
What is isinglass?
Is cloudy cider vegan?
Not necessarily. Cloudiness shows that a cider was not fully cleared, but it does not tell you about every ingredient or processing aid. Ask the maker or look for a vegan statement. See the glossary entry for turbidity.
Does cider contain honey?
Plain cider does not need honey, and in the UK honey is not on HMRC's list of permitted sugars for cider. [2] Some specialty ciders and cysers do contain honey; see cider vs mead.
Sources
- Definition of veganism — The Vegan Society
- Permitted ingredients for cider duty — HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
- gelatine (definition) — Cambridge Dictionary
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex II: Substances or products causing allergies or intolerances — legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (official EU text) — EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the European Union)
- 2025 BJCP Cider Style Guidelines (Introduction) — Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP)
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Article 20: Omission of constituents of food from the list of ingredients — legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Article 16: Omission of certain mandatory particulars — legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)
- Hard Cider Production & Orchard Management in the Pacific Northwest (PNW 621) — Washington State University, Oregon State University and University of Idaho Extension