Understanding Why Honey Isn't Considered Vegan and Delicious Alternatives You Can Try

Have you ever reached for honey as a natural substitute for sugar and felt that little moment of pride, thinking you were making a healthier choice? You're definitely not alone in this. Many people believe honey is a better alternative to refined sugar because it comes straight from nature.

But when it comes to veganism, the story gets a bit more complicated. If you’re planning to take part in Veganuary or simply curious about vegan principles, you might want to pause before adding honey to your meals.

To understand why honey is usually off the table for vegans, it helps to go back to the philosophy that defines veganism. Although there are some variations, veganism is generally seen as a lifestyle that tries to avoid exploiting or causing harm to animals whenever possible.

Vegans steer clear of using products that come from animals, and since honey is produced by bees, it falls under that category. The Vegan Society, which helped shape the concept of veganism in the 1940s, defines veganism as avoiding all animal involvement in products, whether in food, clothing, or other uses.

This means that honey, being an animal by-product, is seen as something that involves exploiting bees. Registered dietitians and ethical vegans point out that taking honey from bees interferes with their natural behavior and production, which contradicts vegan principles.

Back in the early days of The Vegan Society, veganism was often described as simply being ‘non-dairy vegetarian,’ referring to those who avoided milk products along with meat. During that time, honey consumption was left somewhat ambiguous and often left to individual choice.

But the definition of veganism has developed significantly over the decades. By the late 1980s, a more detailed explanation was set, emphasizing the commitment to avoiding all animal products and promoting alternatives.

Today, The Vegan Society openly shares concerns about honey production, highlighting how common beekeeping methods can be harmful and environmentally damaging. As a result, most vegans now agree that honey doesn’t fit within a strict vegan lifestyle, especially considering the ecological impact and ethical considerations.

You might ask, if honey comes from bees, and bees are insects, why can’t vegans eat it? The answer lies in the principle that vegans avoid all products that are derived from animals, and this includes insects. Since bees produce honey as part of their natural process, harvesting it involves taking something that belongs to them.

To add more complexity, many bees are ‘factory-farmed’ and transported to pollinate various crops like almonds and blueberries. While these fruits are typically vegan-friendly, they rely heavily on bees being moved and managed in ways that also raise ethical questions.

You might wonder if honey from a small-scale beekeeper who truly cares for their bees is more vegan-friendly than fruit farmed with commercial bee pollination. Still, the consensus generally leans toward avoiding honey entirely to keep consistent with vegan values.

This is a tricky topic and can stir up debates within the vegan community. But ultimately, if you’re committed to avoiding animal exploitation to the fullest, honey is considered off-limits.

If you follow a strict vegan diet but really miss the rich, sweet flavor honey provides, there are plenty of plant-based substitutes that can fill that gap effectively.

One popular alternative you might already know is agave nectar, such as the GROOVY FOOD LIGHT AMBER & MILD AGAVE NECTAR 250ML. It has a similar sweetness with a mild flavor, making it great for drizzling over breakfast foods or stirring into your tea or coffee.

Another tasty option is the VEGAN HONEE 350G, which is made to mimic honey’s goût and texture perfectly but is completely plant-based. It’s a great choice for those who want the honey-like experience while sticking to vegan principles.

Additionally, products like N!CK'S FIBER SYRUP WITH HONEY FLAVOUR 300G offer a sweetener with a resemblance to honey’s taste but without any involvement of bees.

While you won’t find strict veganism policing at your door if you occasionally enjoy honey, keeping these substitutes handy is a good way to stick firmly to your ethical commitments and still enjoy that pleasant honey-like sweetness in your meals.