Is Honey Vegan?

Going plant-based can have such a positive effect on the environment we live in. It’s delicious, and so much more accessible than ever before.

What is honey made from?

If anyone’s familiar with the 2007 hit film, Bee Movie, you’re probably already clued up on how honey is made and why bees have such environmental significance. For anyone who hasn’t (and we hope this isn’t a spoiler), honey bees collect nectar from flowers and take it back to their hives. This is where it breaks down into simple sugars, living inside the honeycomb until enough liquid has evaporated. What’s left, after extra wax and other impurities are removed, is honey. 

During the nectar collection process, bees help with pollination. Spreading excess pollen between flowers and generally helping the life-cycle of all plants. We’re very grateful to them, and know the world would be a very grey place without them.

Is honey vegan? 

Definitions on veganism are very clear. No consumption of animals, their derivatives or byproducts. So why is honey up for debate? It might be down to the fact bees are classed insects, and not necessarily animals. But we know just how important those little guys are.

So let’s answer that question with a no. Honey is not vegan because it’s made by bees and, along with not eating meat, veganism means not consuming any animal products.

Even honey from wild bees?

Harvesting honey, even if from wild bees, doesn't line up with vegan beliefs. This means that the honey industry is off-limits, but luckily enough for us, we've got some tasty vegan-friendly honey alternatives for you to try!

How is vegan-friendly honey made?

There are a few well known vegan honeys on the market today. The Bee Free Honee uses a simple apple, sugar and lemon juice base, whilst Vegan Honae has the same starting point, with some extra natural floral sugar infusions to boot. Both of these names are a great go to for anyone with a pollen allergy.

Plant-based alternatives to honey

Whether you’re after the old Canadian favourite, maple syrup or the South American sensation agave nectar, have a look at our favourite alternatives to honey, for what to buy and inspiration on how to use it.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve got any other vegan honey alternatives you like to use!