Is Mulled Wine Vegan?

Keep reading to discover all that you need to know about this warming, festive drink.

Mulled wine

Is there any aroma more synonymous with Christmas that the gentle, warming smells of cinnamon, orange and clove coming from a pan of mulled wine? We think not – but is it vegan?  

Is mulled wine vegan?

Yes, it can be but isn’t always and here’s why. Whilst the spices used in mulled wine, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and nutmeg along with fresh oranges are all plant-based and vegan-friendly, sometimes it’s the bottle of red wine that isn’t.  

Why is some wine not vegan?

Traditionally, the winemaking process happened over a long time. Naturally allowing the grapes to ferment and separate the solids sediments, which fall to the bottom of the barrel, from the liquids. To speed up this process because of high demand, animal products like animal gelatin, casein (milk protein) and isinglass (gelatin from fish bladders) are used in the production process.

Check out our vegan shopping basket of the best vegan wines here, so you can make sure you’re drinking the best plant-based mulled wine possible.

Fancy making your own this weekend? Try this delicious vegan-friendly recipe from one of our Development Chefs, Iona.

Send more plant-based, festive questions our way and we’ll answer them in time for your vegan Christmas.