Is it vegan? Drinks
Is beer vegan?
Quick answer: Usually. Most beers are made from water, grain, hops and yeast, but some — especially traditional cask ales — are fined with isinglass from fish, and a few contain honey or lactose.
Also called: lager, ale, stout, cask ale, real ale, Guinness
The details
Many mass-produced lagers are filtered mechanically and contain no animal products. Traditional British cask ales are more often clarified with isinglass. Milk stouts contain lactose and some beers contain honey.
Some brewers have switched away from isinglass: in 2017 PETA reported Guinness’s statement that keg Guinness Draught brewed at St James’s Gate no longer uses it in filtration. Because fining agents rarely appear on labels, look for a vegan logo or check the brewer’s website.
What to look for on the label
- vegan logo
- “milk stout” or lactose (not vegan)
- honey (not vegan)
- cask-conditioned (often isinglass)
Where it’s found
- Pubs and shops worldwide
Vegan alternatives
- Vegan-labelled beers
- Filtered lagers confirmed by the brewer
Frequently asked questions
Is beer vegan?
Usually. Most beers are made from water, grain, hops and yeast, but some — especially traditional cask ales — are fined with isinglass from fish, and a few contain honey or lactose.
Sources
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.