Honey is an insect product, and vegan standards exclude it — the boundary case people ask about most. Vegetarian standards accept it. In processed foods it also appears as honey powder and inside natural sweetener blends; in cosmetics it is listed as mel. A vegan reformulation documents the replacement sweetener; nothing else about the claim changes.
What it means for each mark
- VeganProduced by bees — excluded, along with beeswax, propolis and royal jelly.
- VegetarianAccepted — an ingredient from live animals, like milk and eggs.
Where it typically hides
- Granola, cereal clusters and snack bars
- Sauces, marinades and glazes
- Baked goods and breakfast breads
- Natural sweetener blends and honey powders
- Lozenges and syrups
- Cosmetics (mel, honey extract)
What a certification review asks for
- The sweetener system breakdown for any blended or compound sweetener
- Supplier specifications for ingredients described as natural sweeteners
- An INCI check for mel and honey extracts in cosmetics
Alternatives
- Agave syrup
- Maple syrup
- Rice syrup and date syrup
- Invert sugar syrups
Frequently asked questions
Why is honey not vegan?
Vegan standards exclude ingredients produced by animals, including insects. Honey is produced by bees, so it is excluded, as are beeswax, propolis and royal jelly.
Is honey vegetarian?
Yes. Vegetarian standards accept honey and other products collected from live animals.