Is it vegan? Additives & E-numbers
Is castoreum vegan?
Quick answer: No. Castoreum is a secretion from the castor sacs of beavers, so it is not vegan — though it is now rarely used in food.
Also called: castoreum extract, beaver extract, castor (perfumery)
Why it isn’t vegan
Castoreum extract is prepared from the dried castor sac scent glands of beavers. A 2007 safety review in the International Journal of Toxicology notes it has been used in perfumery and as a food flavouring for at least 80 years and is regarded as GRAS (generally recognised as safe) by FEMA and the FDA.
PETA notes that castoreum-type ingredients are now typically synthetic, and castoreum is rarely used in food today. In the US, however, it could fall under the term “natural flavor”, so vegans who want certainty choose products with a vegan logo.
What to look for on the label
- castoreum
- may be hidden in “natural flavor(s)” in the US
Where it’s found
- Historically some perfumes and flavourings
Vegan alternatives
- Vanilla, synthetic vanillin, plant-based flavourings
Frequently asked questions
Is castoreum vegan?
No. Castoreum is a secretion from the castor sacs of beavers, so it is not vegan — though it is now rarely used in food.
Is castoreum in vanilla flavouring?
Most vanilla flavouring comes from vanilla beans or vanillin, and castoreum is rarely used today. A vegan label removes any doubt.
Sources
- Burdock GA. Safety assessment of castoreum extract as a food ingredient. Int J Toxicol. 2007;26(1):51–55 — International Journal of Toxicology
- Animal-Derived Ingredients List — PETA
- 21 CFR 101.22 — definition of natural flavor — US Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
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.