Is it vegan? Ingredients
Is honey vegan?
Quick answer: No. Honey is made by bees, and vegan organisations such as the Vegan Society treat it as an animal product.
Also called: honey, propolis, royal jelly, mel (cosmetics)
Why it isn’t vegan
Honeybees produce honey from flower nectar as food for the colony. The Vegan Society defines veganism as excluding, as far as possible and practicable, the exploitation of animals for food or any other purpose, and its Vegan Trademark does not allow animal products, including bee products.
Honey appears in cereals, granola, sauces and glazes, bread, sweets, some beers and liqueurs (for example honey-based whisky liqueurs) and cosmetics.
What to look for on the label
- honey
- propolis
- royal jelly
- mel, mel extract (cosmetics)
Where it’s found
- Cereals, granola and cereal bars
- Sauces, marinades and glazes
- Some bread, beer, mead and liqueurs
- Lip balms and skincare
Vegan alternatives
- Maple syrup
- Agave syrup
- Date syrup
- Golden syrup
- Rice malt syrup
Frequently asked questions
Is honey vegan?
No. Honey is made by bees, and vegan organisations such as the Vegan Society treat it as an animal product.
Why don’t vegans eat honey?
Because it is produced by animals, and commercial beekeeping involves managing and taking food from bee colonies.
Sources
- Definition of veganism — The Vegan Society
- Vegan Trademark standards — The Vegan Society
- Animal-Derived Ingredients List — PETA
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.