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Sommeliers Choice: Everything You Need To Know About Vegan Wines

Not all wines are created vegan – and with the rise of veganism, here’s something for you to stay up-to-date

sommelier Wine’s love affair with the humankind dates back to centuries. Once, when a wine lover was asked about his bucket list, he answered that the first thing on his bucket list was to fill the bucket with wine. The following question should have been – What kind? Wine or Vegan Wine?

Vegan Wine – Yes! You read it right. If this comes as news to you, you are not alone. Many vegans out there don’t know that the wine they pour in the glass is not always vegan. How can fermented grape juice not be vegan, you ask? Turns out that the winemaking process – especially with modern technology, may involve certain animal products that you weren’t aware of.

According to GlobalData, the percentage of US consumers identifying as vegan grew from 1% to 6% between 2014 and 2017 – a 600% increase. That number is still a small portion of the total, but other data reveals a growing interest in plant-based foods by consumers who do not follow veganism.

And with the unstoppable rise of veganism, it is not difficult to explore Vegan Wines now.

Vegan Wine – An under-the-radar fact?

People all over the world are plunging into veganism. Vegans are very particular about their food and fluid intake – but they never give alcohol a second thought. Liquor production is perforated with animal products, but the important question here is, most vegans are totally unaware of it.

So, why is this a widely camouflaged fact? Primarily, most of the booze you drink doesn’t mention the animal products that they use on the labels. Even if they do – they mention unrecognizable ingredients such as “isinglass” or “pepsin”. Alcohol brands rarely hint at the animals from which these ingredients come. For example, you might not know but Isinglass and pepsin come from fish and pigs, respectively.

Most wines are vegan – however, some of them are made using animal-derived substances during the filtering process, called ‘fining agents.’ This filtering process is used to remove protein, yeast, cloudiness, off flavors & colorings, and other organic particles. These filters sometimes include gelatin from fish bladders – isinglass, casein, which is derived from milk, or bone marrow.

Thankfully, there are several common fining agents which are used to make wine animal-friendly. That means that your local grocery, health-food, and liquor store have the vegan wines available. Even online retailers are overflowing with vegan wine choices.

As per Forbes, the USDA and FDA do not regulate the labeling of alcohol products, and that is why the ingredient listings are rarely straightforward. That makes it difficult for vegans to figure out the options – unless it is directly stated. Apart from wine, beer and many spirits are known to use animal products in production, too.

not all wines are vegan

How to know if the wine is Vegan or not?

It is hard to estimate if the wine is vegan or not. Some wineries can claim that their product is vegan, and the consumer has no way of knowing whether it’s true or not.

To rule out these situations – BevVeg has a “Vegan Certificate” procedure where BevVeg certifies the beverages and gives the consumer a way to know and trust the brand which claims to serve vegan wine.

“We certify products, not wineries.  In other words, because the winemaking process can vary from one year to the next, and even one product to the next, BevVeg! requires that wineries certify their products each year, independently, for review to avoid any potential contamination,” states BevVeg attorney, Carissa Kranz. “Therefore, while a product may qualify as BevVeg! certified vegan one year, if the winemaking process changes, the wine may not qualify as BevVeg! certified vegan in subsequent years.”

What does Vegan Wine Taste like?

The terroir and the soil plays an important role in how the wine tastes. Depending on the winery, the winemaker may withhold from fining the wine in order to maintain the neutral character of the wine region.

Attorney of BevVeg, Carissa Kranz says, “While there is no documented taste difference, I think there is a placebo effect. It just tastes better when you know the ingredients are pure, healthy, and vegan. I mean, who wants to drink trace amounts of the fish bladder, animal intestines or bone char?”

Fun Fact – To date, BevVeg! has not found any difference in the taste of vegan wines versus non-vegan wines.

If you are a vegan & are looking forward to sipping some Vegan Wines with your friends – let’s take you on an exotic Winery tour which serves Vegan Wines.

  • Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards
  • China Bend Winery
  • Fitzpatrick Winery
  • Frey Winery
  • Palmina Wines
  • Seghesio Family Vineyards
  • Smithfield Wine
  • Thumbprint Cellars
  • Wrights Wines

If you are looking to enter in the Sommeliers Choice Awards then you can make big savings by submitting your wines now and take advantage of the Super Early Bird Offer. But you need to act quickly as the super early bird offer runs out on August 30, 2019. SCA is one of the leading competition where wines are judged by top sommeliers, on-premise wine buyers and wine directors.

This article originally appeared on Sommeliers Choice Awards

 

Not all wines are created vegan – and with the rise of veganism, here’s something for you to stay up-to-date

sommelier Wine’s love affair with the humankind dates back to centuries. Once, when a wine lover was asked about his bucket list, he answered that the first thing on his bucket list was to fill the bucket with wine. The following question should have been – What kind? Wine or Vegan Wine?

Vegan Wine – Yes! You read it right. If this comes as news to you, you are not alone. Many vegans out there don’t know that the wine they pour in the glass is not always vegan. How can fermented grape juice not be vegan, you ask? Turns out that the winemaking process – especially with modern technology, may involve certain animal products that you weren’t aware of.

According to GlobalData, the percentage of US consumers identifying as vegan grew from 1% to 6% between 2014 and 2017 – a 600% increase. That number is still a small portion of the total, but other data reveals a growing interest in plant-based foods by consumers who do not follow veganism.

And with the unstoppable rise of veganism, it is not difficult to explore Vegan Wines now.

Vegan Wine – An under-the-radar fact?

People all over the world are plunging into veganism. Vegans are very particular about their food and fluid intake – but they never give alcohol a second thought. Liquor production is perforated with animal products, but the important question here is, most vegans are totally unaware of it.

So, why is this a widely camouflaged fact? Primarily, most of the booze you drink doesn’t mention the animal products that they use on the labels. Even if they do – they mention unrecognizable ingredients such as “isinglass” or “pepsin”. Alcohol brands rarely hint at the animals from which these ingredients come. For example, you might not know but Isinglass and pepsin come from fish and pigs, respectively.

Most wines are vegan – however, some of them are made using animal-derived substances during the filtering process, called ‘fining agents.’ This filtering process is used to remove protein, yeast, cloudiness, off flavors & colorings, and other organic particles. These filters sometimes include gelatin from fish bladders – isinglass, casein, which is derived from milk, or bone marrow.

Thankfully, there are several common fining agents which are used to make wine animal-friendly. That means that your local grocery, health-food, and liquor store have the vegan wines available. Even online retailers are overflowing with vegan wine choices.

As per Forbes, the USDA and FDA do not regulate the labeling of alcohol products, and that is why the ingredient listings are rarely straightforward. That makes it difficult for vegans to figure out the options – unless it is directly stated. Apart from wine, beer and many spirits are known to use animal products in production, too.

not all wines are vegan

How to know if the wine is Vegan or not?

It is hard to estimate if the wine is vegan or not. Some wineries can claim that their product is vegan, and the consumer has no way of knowing whether it’s true or not.

To rule out these situations – BevVeg has a “Vegan Certificate” procedure where BevVeg certifies the beverages and gives the consumer a way to know and trust the brand which claims to serve vegan wine.

“We certify products, not wineries.  In other words, because the winemaking process can vary from one year to the next, and even one product to the next, BevVeg! requires that wineries certify their products each year, independently, for review to avoid any potential contamination,” states BevVeg attorney, Carissa Kranz. “Therefore, while a product may qualify as BevVeg! certified vegan one year, if the winemaking process changes, the wine may not qualify as BevVeg! certified vegan in subsequent years.”

What does Vegan Wine Taste like?

The terroir and the soil plays an important role in how the wine tastes. Depending on the winery, the winemaker may withhold from fining the wine in order to maintain the neutral character of the wine region.

Attorney of BevVeg, Carissa Kranz says, “While there is no documented taste difference, I think there is a placebo effect. It just tastes better when you know the ingredients are pure, healthy, and vegan. I mean, who wants to drink trace amounts of the fish bladder, animal intestines or bone char?”

Fun Fact – To date, BevVeg! has not found any difference in the taste of vegan wines versus non-vegan wines.

If you are a vegan & are looking forward to sipping some Vegan Wines with your friends – let’s take you on an exotic Winery tour which serves Vegan Wines.

  • Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards
  • China Bend Winery
  • Fitzpatrick Winery
  • Frey Winery
  • Palmina Wines
  • Seghesio Family Vineyards
  • Smithfield Wine
  • Thumbprint Cellars
  • Wrights Wines

If you are looking to enter in the Sommeliers Choice Awards then you can make big savings by submitting your wines now and take advantage of the Super Early Bird Offer. But you need to act quickly as the super early bird offer runs out on August 30, 2019. SCA is one of the leading competition where wines are judged by top sommeliers, on-premise wine buyers and wine directors.

This article originally appeared on Sommeliers Choice Awards

 

Read more
veganwine

Bald Vegan: Wine vegan or not?

How to find if your wine is vegan?

w eWhen sometimes I say to people that I have to check the wine labels because not all wines are vegan friendly I see that strange look in their eyes and the following question, “Are not all wines vegan? They are made of Grapes in it?”

I try to look smart, posh and confident and start to explain that “although made mostly from grapes, some wines may have been made using animal-derived products”.

According to many websites like PETA they explain that: “…During the wine making process, the liquid is filtered through substances called “fining agents.” This process is used to remove protein, yeast, cloudiness, “off” flavors and colorings, and other organic particles. Popular animal-derived fining agents used in the production of wine include blood and bone marrow, casein (milk protein), chitin (fiber from crustacean shells), egg albumen (derived from egg whites), fish oil, gelatin (protein from boiling animal parts), and isinglass (gelatin from fish bladder membranes).”

But don’t despair, there is good news. Some companies are using clay-based fining agents such as bentonite, and Activated charcoal.

Thankfully, now, we have hundreds of Vegan-friendly wines, beers and other alcoholic beverages. Most supermarkets now have a great selection of splendid costly red or white vegan wines and if you are not sure just look at some kind of Vegan-Friendly Label, Suitable for Vegans or else in the bottle.

If you need more information, here are some good sites to start with:

I will start posting some good wines that I bought myself and taste it. I am not a “connoisseur” of wine but I know when it tastes good and makes me, let’s say, Merry

This article originally appeared on Bald Vegan

How to find if your wine is vegan?

w eWhen sometimes I say to people that I have to check the wine labels because not all wines are vegan friendly I see that strange look in their eyes and the following question, “Are not all wines vegan? They are made of Grapes in it?”

I try to look smart, posh and confident and start to explain that “although made mostly from grapes, some wines may have been made using animal-derived products”.

According to many websites like PETA they explain that: “…During the wine making process, the liquid is filtered through substances called “fining agents.” This process is used to remove protein, yeast, cloudiness, “off” flavors and colorings, and other organic particles. Popular animal-derived fining agents used in the production of wine include blood and bone marrow, casein (milk protein), chitin (fiber from crustacean shells), egg albumen (derived from egg whites), fish oil, gelatin (protein from boiling animal parts), and isinglass (gelatin from fish bladder membranes).”

But don’t despair, there is good news. Some companies are using clay-based fining agents such as bentonite, and Activated charcoal.

Thankfully, now, we have hundreds of Vegan-friendly wines, beers and other alcoholic beverages. Most supermarkets now have a great selection of splendid costly red or white vegan wines and if you are not sure just look at some kind of Vegan-Friendly Label, Suitable for Vegans or else in the bottle.

If you need more information, here are some good sites to start with:

I will start posting some good wines that I bought myself and taste it. I am not a “connoisseur” of wine but I know when it tastes good and makes me, let’s say, Merry

This article originally appeared on Bald Vegan

Read more
Goldwine x

Dr Chuma: Common questions about Food and Vegan Diets

Common questions about Food and Plant-Based Diets

WINE. Why is it not “Vegan”?

Although this may sound like a silly question, many wines are technically not vegan because of how they are processed.

A brief history of wine. The earliest archaeological evidence of wine comes from Jiahu village in central China, almost 10,000 years ago. According to Scientific AGoldwine xmerican, traces of a honey and rice-based wine were found on pottery shards. It’s speculated that it was likely made from a blend of the hawthorn fruit and wild grapes. People in the areas now representing Armenia and Georgia experimented with fermentation of grapes as early as 7,400 years ago. Several cultures throughout history, from the old Egyptian god and lord of wine Shesmu to the Greek god Dionysus (or Bacchus, if you’re Roman) have associated wine with divinity. It’s still used in Catholic mass to this day.

In a 1779 letter to French economist André Morellet, founding father of the U.S. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”

The modern wine market is going strong. The total U.S. sales topped $62.7 billion in 2017. At 2.94 gallons per person each year, the U.S. is the largest wine consuming nation by volume. Like any other industry, wine is shaped by consumer trends. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the top 2 favorites, but rosé is fast-growing, with a 59% increase in value in 2017, according to Nielsen data.

What Makes Wine Not Vegan? At its core, wine seems vegan. It’s just fermented grape juice. But a filtering process known as “fining,” which removes particles that settle to the bottom of the bottle and make wine hazy often uses animal products in the process. Traditional fining agents include gelatin (which comes from animal cartilage), egg whites, milk proteins (casein), isinglass (a kind of gelatin obtained from fish) and the dried swim bladder of fish. There are vegan alternatives, such as kaolin clay, bentonite clay and activated charcoal, but animal-based fining agents are cheaper since they are throw-away byproducts of animal agriculture.

Fining wine is more a matter of customer preference than necessity. In fact, sediment in wine ad to the taste but customers erroneously think it’s a sign of a bad wine. In the industry, these sediments are known as “dregs,” and despite the name, they’re not a bad thing. Dregs are essentially comprised of dead yeast cells, grape solids, tartrates, tannins, and phenolics. Tartrates give the wine a tart flavor and you may have even seen them in the form of red or white crystals on the side of the bottle. There are also sediments known as “gross lees” and “fine lees”. These are produced during the wine making process and they settle to the bottom of the wine barrel or vat. These are completely fine and do not impact on taste or quality at all. Some winemakers leave these in on purpose. There may be other reasons why a vineyard may choose to filter its wine, such as covering a bad harvest.

Vegan Certification Label

If you’re avoiding animal products, how can you ensure wine is vegan? It’s not as simple as reading the label.

There are databases like Barnivore, a database of nearly 45,000 alcoholic beverages, that lists vegan-friendly drinks. Or, you can buy from a source that only offers vegan wine. There’s also BevVeg, a law firm that provides vegan certification for food and beverage companies in more than 70 countries. BevVeg also has a free mobile app for both Android and iPhones with a database of over 50,000 wines.

There are at least 64 ingredients that can be added to wine without needing disclosure on the label, ranging from animal-based fining agents to color additives (such as MegaPurple, a grape concentrate added to “color correct” wine), oak chips (to replicate the flavor of aging in an oak wine barrel) and stabilizers.

If you see the BevVeg logo, your wine is vegan

You can see the full article on Dr. Chuma’s Wellness Site 

This article originally appeared on Dr. Chuma’s Wellness Site 

Common questions about Food and Plant-Based Diets

WINE. Why is it not “Vegan”?

Although this may sound like a silly question, many wines are technically not vegan because of how they are processed.

A brief history of wine. The earliest archaeological evidence of wine comes from Jiahu village in central China, almost 10,000 years ago. According to Scientific AGoldwine xmerican, traces of a honey and rice-based wine were found on pottery shards. It’s speculated that it was likely made from a blend of the hawthorn fruit and wild grapes. People in the areas now representing Armenia and Georgia experimented with fermentation of grapes as early as 7,400 years ago. Several cultures throughout history, from the old Egyptian god and lord of wine Shesmu to the Greek god Dionysus (or Bacchus, if you’re Roman) have associated wine with divinity. It’s still used in Catholic mass to this day.

In a 1779 letter to French economist André Morellet, founding father of the U.S. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”

The modern wine market is going strong. The total U.S. sales topped $62.7 billion in 2017. At 2.94 gallons per person each year, the U.S. is the largest wine consuming nation by volume. Like any other industry, wine is shaped by consumer trends. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the top 2 favorites, but rosé is fast-growing, with a 59% increase in value in 2017, according to Nielsen data.

What Makes Wine Not Vegan? At its core, wine seems vegan. It’s just fermented grape juice. But a filtering process known as “fining,” which removes particles that settle to the bottom of the bottle and make wine hazy often uses animal products in the process. Traditional fining agents include gelatin (which comes from animal cartilage), egg whites, milk proteins (casein), isinglass (a kind of gelatin obtained from fish) and the dried swim bladder of fish. There are vegan alternatives, such as kaolin clay, bentonite clay and activated charcoal, but animal-based fining agents are cheaper since they are throw-away byproducts of animal agriculture.

Fining wine is more a matter of customer preference than necessity. In fact, sediment in wine ad to the taste but customers erroneously think it’s a sign of a bad wine. In the industry, these sediments are known as “dregs,” and despite the name, they’re not a bad thing. Dregs are essentially comprised of dead yeast cells, grape solids, tartrates, tannins, and phenolics. Tartrates give the wine a tart flavor and you may have even seen them in the form of red or white crystals on the side of the bottle. There are also sediments known as “gross lees” and “fine lees”. These are produced during the wine making process and they settle to the bottom of the wine barrel or vat. These are completely fine and do not impact on taste or quality at all. Some winemakers leave these in on purpose. There may be other reasons why a vineyard may choose to filter its wine, such as covering a bad harvest.

Vegan Certification Label

If you’re avoiding animal products, how can you ensure wine is vegan? It’s not as simple as reading the label.

There are databases like Barnivore, a database of nearly 45,000 alcoholic beverages, that lists vegan-friendly drinks. Or, you can buy from a source that only offers vegan wine. There’s also BevVeg, a law firm that provides vegan certification for food and beverage companies in more than 70 countries. BevVeg also has a free mobile app for both Android and iPhones with a database of over 50,000 wines.

There are at least 64 ingredients that can be added to wine without needing disclosure on the label, ranging from animal-based fining agents to color additives (such as MegaPurple, a grape concentrate added to “color correct” wine), oak chips (to replicate the flavor of aging in an oak wine barrel) and stabilizers.

If you see the BevVeg logo, your wine is vegan

You can see the full article on Dr. Chuma’s Wellness Site 

This article originally appeared on Dr. Chuma’s Wellness Site 

Read more
Klaring af rødvin med æggehvide

Vinbladet: Vegan Wine

Vegansk vin

– fra niche til mainstream

Når to aktører fra planteriget, druer og gærceller, står for skabelsen af vin, må den ædle drik da være i orden for veganere. Men er det altid det? Problemet er efterbehandling af den færdiggærede vin med det formål at gøre den funklende klar og fjerne uønskede duft- og smagselementer som fx bitre, snerpende tanniner. Partiklerne (drue- og gærrester), der gør vinen tåget og uklar, er så små, at de svæver rundt i væsken og ikke fanges af et filter. De kolloide partikler har typisk en elektrisk ladning, der kan være positiv eller negativ. Et klaringsmiddel med modsat elektrisk ladning vil få

partiklerne til at klumpe sig sammen og synke til bunds. Vinbønderne i Bordeaux har i årevis brugt friske æggehvider til klaring og afrunding af deres rødvine. For langt de fleste er æggehvide et trygt og velkendt produkt, men det stammer unægtelig fra dyreriget, og det er her veganeren står af.

Listen over animalske klaringsmidler er ganske lang:
Æggehvide: En æggehvide på 30 g indeholder 12 g protein i form af ovalbumin med positiv elektrisk ladning. En frisk æggehvide per 50 l vin bruges til klaring og reduktion af tannin-niveauet i rødvin.
Mælk: (2 dl skummetmælk/100 l vin) har været brugt til at fjernede uønskede farvetoner og bitter smag i hvidvine og sherry. En liter mælk indeholder 30 g kasein og 10-15 g lactalbumin (proteiner med positiv ladning). I praksis bruges i vore dage ostestoffet kasein: 50 mg/l vin til generel klaring og 0,5-1 g/l til at fjerne brunlige farvetoner/bitterhed.
Blod: Okseblod med 70 g plasma-albumin (positiv ladning) per liter kan bruges til klaring og afrunding af rødvin (0,25 g/l) men har ikke været tilladt som klaringsmiddel i Europa siden 1987. Proteinet albumin fra dyreblod har i mange år været brugt til klaring af vin (20 g albuminpulver/100 l vin), men efter kogalskab-skandalen forbød EU for en sikkerheds skyld alle blodbaserede klaringsmidler.
Gelatine: Husblas fremstilles af proteinstoffet kollagen (positiv ladning) fra sener, knogler og hud, typisk fra svin og køer. Gelatine bruges til klaring af hvidvine (20-100 mg/l vin) og røde vine (30-150/l). Til reduktion af niveauet af snerpende tanniner bruges højere doser (70-530 mg/l).
Isinglass: Et proteinstof med positiv ladning (kollagen), der udvindes af svømmeblærer fra fisk som stør og havkat. Isinglass anvendes (10-50 mg/l) til at give hvidvine en brillant glans, fremhæve den rene frugt og runde vinen af.
Kitin: Chitosan (protein med stærk positiv ladning) er udvundet af pulveriserede skaller fra skaldyr som rejer og krabber.

Wine Fining

Er vinen kosher?

Det hebraiske ord ”kosher” betyder “egnet” eller “ren” og fortæller, at denne fødevare er det tilladt for troende jøder at spise eller drikke ifølge de jødiske spiseregler. Kun kød fra drøvtyggende dyr med spaltede klove er kosher. Svin, hest og kamel er således ikke kosher, mens fx okse- og lammekød er tilladt. De fleste slags fjerkræ er tilladt. Fisk er kun tilladt, hvis de har både finner og skæl. Desuden er mælkeprodukter og æg fra tilladte dyr kosher. Alle former for skaldyr, bløddyr og insekter er forbudt. I produktionen af kosher vin er gelatine, okseblod, isinglass og kasein totalt forbudt. De fleste kosher-vine er dermed egnede for veganere. Spørgsmålet er imidlertid om der er anvendt æggehvide som klaringsmiddel. Hønseæg er nemlig kosher, men hvert enkelt æg skal undersøges for blodpletter, der kan betyde at ægget er befrugtet og skal kasseres.

I princippet binder et klaringsmiddel sig til urenheder i vinen, synker til bunds i karret og fjernes ved omstikning eller filtrering af vinen. Vinen vil derfor kun indeholde minimale rester af klaringsmidlet. Særligt følsomme allergikere kan reagere med symptomer ved indtagelse af blot få milligram af det fødemiddel, den pågældende er overfølsom for. En ud af hundrede voksne danskere er overfølsomme for proteinstoffer fra æg, mælk og fisk. EU-Regulativ No 579/2012 forpligter vinproducenterne til at angive tilstedeværelsen af sulfitter, æg og mælk på etiketten per 1. juli 2012 – gerne suppleret med et logo.

Hvis der er brugt mælk eller æg som klaringsmiddel skal det deklareres med mindre vinen efterfølgende er testet negativ ved en målemetode med et detektionsgrænse på 0,25 mg/l. Det svarer til en enkelt dråbe mælk eller æggehvide opløst i 200 liter vin. Vin klaret med isinglass er permanent undtaget fra kravet om mærkning, da det ikke anses for at udgøre en helbredsrisiko for fiskeallergikere.

Forskere har konkluderet, at risikoen for en fødemiddelallergiker ved indtagelse af vin klaret med æggehvide, kasein eller isinglass er ekstremt lav, men det hjælper ikke til at gøre vinen tilladt for en veganer. Veganisme er ikke en religion, men en social bevægelse, der kæmper for rettigheder til dyrene, men veganere har den opfattelse til fælles med ortodokse jøder, at det er selve anvendelse af animalske produkter, der er forbudt, og ikke hvorvidt der kan påvises små rester af animalsk protein i den færdige vin.

Red wine and veggies

Hvordan laver man vegan-venlige vine?

Flere vinifikationsmetoder vil føre frem til vegan-venlige vine:

  1. Vinifikation efter naturmetoden: Vinbonden giver urenhederne god tid til at samle sig og synke til bunds i gæringskaret. Ved omstikning af vinen til et rent kar, fjernes bundfaldet, og processen kan efter behov gennemføres flere gange. Der anvendes typisk ikke filtrering. På etiketten kan der fx stå ”unfined and unfilteret”. Det er en tidsrøvende og arbejdskrævende ─ og derfor bekostelig ─ metode, som mange producenter af konsumvin ikke har råd til. Naturvin lavet efter princippet ”intet føjes til vinen og intet tages væk fra vinen” vil typisk anvende denne metode og naturvin er dermed vegan-venlig.
  2. Anvendelse af ikke-animalske klaringsmidler:
    Alginat: Et positivt ladet produkt bestående af komplekse kulhydrater (polysakkarider) med positiv elektrisk ladning, der er udvundet fra marine brunalgers cellevæg.
    Kieselsol: Siliciumdioxid (kisel som gel eller kolloid opløsning) er et mineral, der findes i jordskorpen som kvarts. Kiselgel er negativt ladet og anvendes (0,1-0,3 ml/l) til klaring og stabilisering af vinen.
    Bentonit: En negativt ladet lerart (aluminium silikat) dannet af vulkansk aske. Bentonit anvendes i doser på 0,2-1,5 g/l og kan absorbere urenheder i en mængde svarende til flere gange sin egen vægt.
    PVPP: Polyvinylpolypyrolidon (100-200 mg/l) er et uopløseligt, nylonbaseret stof med protein-lignende egenskaber, der binder sig til uønskede farvetoner (brunfarvning), bitre tanniner og uønskede lugte fra vinen.
    Aktivt kul: Mikroporøst kul karakteriseret ved et stort indre overfladeareal (typisk flere hundrede m2 pr. gram) og er dermed velegnet til adsorption af urenheder fra væsker. AAA Carbon (0,1-1,1 g/l) anvendes til at fjerne uønsket lugt fra vinen. KBB Carbon (30-260 mg/l) anvendes til at fjerne uønskede, brunlige farvetoner (oxidation) fra hvidvin.
    Vegansk gelatine: Husblas der udelukkende er plantebaseret.

Hvordan finder man vegan-venlige vine?

Det er ikke så let at finde vine på det danske marked, der med sikkerhed er vegan-venlige. De færreste vinproducenter gør som Bonny Doon Winery, der siden 2008 har oplistet dels vinens basis-ingredienser (fx druer, svovldioxid), dels midler brugt ved vinifikationen (fx naturgær, vinsyre og bentonit). Deklarationen bevidner Bonny Doons engagement i produktion af levende, naturlig vin og vinhusets løfte om transparens i alle forhold vedrørende vinproduktionen. Faktisk er alle Bonny Doons vine vegan-venlige, og efter brugen af æggehvide til klaring af en ung Cabernet i 1985 har vingården ikke anvendt animalske ingredienser.

I Storbritannien er der nu over ½ million veganere ifølge ”the Vegan Society” ─ verdens ældste veganer-organisation. Det er et stort spring i vejret fra de ca. 150.000 medlemmer, foreningen havde for 10 år siden, og dertil kommer en million briter, der spiser vegetarisk. Det voksende antal vegetarer og veganere lægger pres på den engelske detailhandel med mærkbare resultater til følge:

Coop har nu en godt 100 vegan-venlige vine i sortimentet og forventer en ekspansion af dette vinsegment.
TESCO har oprettet en søgefunktion på “vegan wine”: 163 af 216 vine er vegan-venlige.
Sainsbury markedsfører 245 vegan-venlige vine, der alle er mærket som egnet for veganere på etiketten.
Waitrose har over 700 vegan-venlige vine på hylderne, bl.a. en topsælgende Prosecco.
Majestic Wines giver ved en søgning information om 66 vegan-venlige vine.
Marks & Spencer har et bredt sortiment på 184 vegan-venlige vine.

Det internationale advokatfirma BevVeg! har specialiseret sig i certificering af produkter, der lever op til vegansk standard og udsteder en logo-garanti for at der ikke er anvendt animalske produkter. Den europæiske Vegetar Union har en certificeringsinstans for veganske produkter, der mærkes med et V-Label Vegan.

Vegan Certified WineBichel vine oplyser at Vegan Society har autoriseret det chilenske vinhus Koyle til at bruge deres logo, som sikrer at alle husets vine er fri for animalske produkter. Autorisationen er så ny, at den først er registreret på etiketterne fra årgang 2018. Et eksempel er Koyle Costa La Flor Sauvignon Blanc 2018, lavet af økologisk dyrkede druer fra San Antonio Valley. Vinen er netop ankommet til Bichels lager i Hjortshøj og endnu ikke kommet med på Bichels vinliste, men vi fik lejlighed til et nærstudium af flasken. Den elegante etiket på flaskens forside er prydet med blomsten, La Flor, og på bagside-etiketten dukker det magiske ord, Vegan, op blandt de øvrige data om vinen. Det er godt nyt for danske veganere, der slipper for det animalske uden at gå glip af noget rent smagsmæssigt. Efter Lars Bo Henriksens erfaring kan man nemlig ikke smage forskel på, om klaring af vinen er sket med animalske eller veganske midler. Lars Bo Henriksen er direktør for Bichel med mange års erfaring fra arbejde i vinbranchen, så hans ord står til troende.

This article originally appeared on Vinbladet

 

Vegansk vin

– fra niche til mainstream

Når to aktører fra planteriget, druer og gærceller, står for skabelsen af vin, må den ædle drik da være i orden for veganere. Men er det altid det? Problemet er efterbehandling af den færdiggærede vin med det formål at gøre den funklende klar og fjerne uønskede duft- og smagselementer som fx bitre, snerpende tanniner. Partiklerne (drue- og gærrester), der gør vinen tåget og uklar, er så små, at de svæver rundt i væsken og ikke fanges af et filter. De kolloide partikler har typisk en elektrisk ladning, der kan være positiv eller negativ. Et klaringsmiddel med modsat elektrisk ladning vil få

partiklerne til at klumpe sig sammen og synke til bunds. Vinbønderne i Bordeaux har i årevis brugt friske æggehvider til klaring og afrunding af deres rødvine. For langt de fleste er æggehvide et trygt og velkendt produkt, men det stammer unægtelig fra dyreriget, og det er her veganeren står af.

Listen over animalske klaringsmidler er ganske lang:
Æggehvide: En æggehvide på 30 g indeholder 12 g protein i form af ovalbumin med positiv elektrisk ladning. En frisk æggehvide per 50 l vin bruges til klaring og reduktion af tannin-niveauet i rødvin.
Mælk: (2 dl skummetmælk/100 l vin) har været brugt til at fjernede uønskede farvetoner og bitter smag i hvidvine og sherry. En liter mælk indeholder 30 g kasein og 10-15 g lactalbumin (proteiner med positiv ladning). I praksis bruges i vore dage ostestoffet kasein: 50 mg/l vin til generel klaring og 0,5-1 g/l til at fjerne brunlige farvetoner/bitterhed.
Blod: Okseblod med 70 g plasma-albumin (positiv ladning) per liter kan bruges til klaring og afrunding af rødvin (0,25 g/l) men har ikke været tilladt som klaringsmiddel i Europa siden 1987. Proteinet albumin fra dyreblod har i mange år været brugt til klaring af vin (20 g albuminpulver/100 l vin), men efter kogalskab-skandalen forbød EU for en sikkerheds skyld alle blodbaserede klaringsmidler.
Gelatine: Husblas fremstilles af proteinstoffet kollagen (positiv ladning) fra sener, knogler og hud, typisk fra svin og køer. Gelatine bruges til klaring af hvidvine (20-100 mg/l vin) og røde vine (30-150/l). Til reduktion af niveauet af snerpende tanniner bruges højere doser (70-530 mg/l).
Isinglass: Et proteinstof med positiv ladning (kollagen), der udvindes af svømmeblærer fra fisk som stør og havkat. Isinglass anvendes (10-50 mg/l) til at give hvidvine en brillant glans, fremhæve den rene frugt og runde vinen af.
Kitin: Chitosan (protein med stærk positiv ladning) er udvundet af pulveriserede skaller fra skaldyr som rejer og krabber.

Wine Fining

Er vinen kosher?

Det hebraiske ord ”kosher” betyder “egnet” eller “ren” og fortæller, at denne fødevare er det tilladt for troende jøder at spise eller drikke ifølge de jødiske spiseregler. Kun kød fra drøvtyggende dyr med spaltede klove er kosher. Svin, hest og kamel er således ikke kosher, mens fx okse- og lammekød er tilladt. De fleste slags fjerkræ er tilladt. Fisk er kun tilladt, hvis de har både finner og skæl. Desuden er mælkeprodukter og æg fra tilladte dyr kosher. Alle former for skaldyr, bløddyr og insekter er forbudt. I produktionen af kosher vin er gelatine, okseblod, isinglass og kasein totalt forbudt. De fleste kosher-vine er dermed egnede for veganere. Spørgsmålet er imidlertid om der er anvendt æggehvide som klaringsmiddel. Hønseæg er nemlig kosher, men hvert enkelt æg skal undersøges for blodpletter, der kan betyde at ægget er befrugtet og skal kasseres.

I princippet binder et klaringsmiddel sig til urenheder i vinen, synker til bunds i karret og fjernes ved omstikning eller filtrering af vinen. Vinen vil derfor kun indeholde minimale rester af klaringsmidlet. Særligt følsomme allergikere kan reagere med symptomer ved indtagelse af blot få milligram af det fødemiddel, den pågældende er overfølsom for. En ud af hundrede voksne danskere er overfølsomme for proteinstoffer fra æg, mælk og fisk. EU-Regulativ No 579/2012 forpligter vinproducenterne til at angive tilstedeværelsen af sulfitter, æg og mælk på etiketten per 1. juli 2012 – gerne suppleret med et logo.

Hvis der er brugt mælk eller æg som klaringsmiddel skal det deklareres med mindre vinen efterfølgende er testet negativ ved en målemetode med et detektionsgrænse på 0,25 mg/l. Det svarer til en enkelt dråbe mælk eller æggehvide opløst i 200 liter vin. Vin klaret med isinglass er permanent undtaget fra kravet om mærkning, da det ikke anses for at udgøre en helbredsrisiko for fiskeallergikere.

Forskere har konkluderet, at risikoen for en fødemiddelallergiker ved indtagelse af vin klaret med æggehvide, kasein eller isinglass er ekstremt lav, men det hjælper ikke til at gøre vinen tilladt for en veganer. Veganisme er ikke en religion, men en social bevægelse, der kæmper for rettigheder til dyrene, men veganere har den opfattelse til fælles med ortodokse jøder, at det er selve anvendelse af animalske produkter, der er forbudt, og ikke hvorvidt der kan påvises små rester af animalsk protein i den færdige vin.

Red wine and veggies

Hvordan laver man vegan-venlige vine?

Flere vinifikationsmetoder vil føre frem til vegan-venlige vine:

  1. Vinifikation efter naturmetoden: Vinbonden giver urenhederne god tid til at samle sig og synke til bunds i gæringskaret. Ved omstikning af vinen til et rent kar, fjernes bundfaldet, og processen kan efter behov gennemføres flere gange. Der anvendes typisk ikke filtrering. På etiketten kan der fx stå ”unfined and unfilteret”. Det er en tidsrøvende og arbejdskrævende ─ og derfor bekostelig ─ metode, som mange producenter af konsumvin ikke har råd til. Naturvin lavet efter princippet ”intet føjes til vinen og intet tages væk fra vinen” vil typisk anvende denne metode og naturvin er dermed vegan-venlig.
  2. Anvendelse af ikke-animalske klaringsmidler:
    Alginat: Et positivt ladet produkt bestående af komplekse kulhydrater (polysakkarider) med positiv elektrisk ladning, der er udvundet fra marine brunalgers cellevæg.
    Kieselsol: Siliciumdioxid (kisel som gel eller kolloid opløsning) er et mineral, der findes i jordskorpen som kvarts. Kiselgel er negativt ladet og anvendes (0,1-0,3 ml/l) til klaring og stabilisering af vinen.
    Bentonit: En negativt ladet lerart (aluminium silikat) dannet af vulkansk aske. Bentonit anvendes i doser på 0,2-1,5 g/l og kan absorbere urenheder i en mængde svarende til flere gange sin egen vægt.
    PVPP: Polyvinylpolypyrolidon (100-200 mg/l) er et uopløseligt, nylonbaseret stof med protein-lignende egenskaber, der binder sig til uønskede farvetoner (brunfarvning), bitre tanniner og uønskede lugte fra vinen.
    Aktivt kul: Mikroporøst kul karakteriseret ved et stort indre overfladeareal (typisk flere hundrede m2 pr. gram) og er dermed velegnet til adsorption af urenheder fra væsker. AAA Carbon (0,1-1,1 g/l) anvendes til at fjerne uønsket lugt fra vinen. KBB Carbon (30-260 mg/l) anvendes til at fjerne uønskede, brunlige farvetoner (oxidation) fra hvidvin.
    Vegansk gelatine: Husblas der udelukkende er plantebaseret.

Hvordan finder man vegan-venlige vine?

Det er ikke så let at finde vine på det danske marked, der med sikkerhed er vegan-venlige. De færreste vinproducenter gør som Bonny Doon Winery, der siden 2008 har oplistet dels vinens basis-ingredienser (fx druer, svovldioxid), dels midler brugt ved vinifikationen (fx naturgær, vinsyre og bentonit). Deklarationen bevidner Bonny Doons engagement i produktion af levende, naturlig vin og vinhusets løfte om transparens i alle forhold vedrørende vinproduktionen. Faktisk er alle Bonny Doons vine vegan-venlige, og efter brugen af æggehvide til klaring af en ung Cabernet i 1985 har vingården ikke anvendt animalske ingredienser.

I Storbritannien er der nu over ½ million veganere ifølge ”the Vegan Society” ─ verdens ældste veganer-organisation. Det er et stort spring i vejret fra de ca. 150.000 medlemmer, foreningen havde for 10 år siden, og dertil kommer en million briter, der spiser vegetarisk. Det voksende antal vegetarer og veganere lægger pres på den engelske detailhandel med mærkbare resultater til følge:

Coop har nu en godt 100 vegan-venlige vine i sortimentet og forventer en ekspansion af dette vinsegment.
TESCO har oprettet en søgefunktion på “vegan wine”: 163 af 216 vine er vegan-venlige.
Sainsbury markedsfører 245 vegan-venlige vine, der alle er mærket som egnet for veganere på etiketten.
Waitrose har over 700 vegan-venlige vine på hylderne, bl.a. en topsælgende Prosecco.
Majestic Wines giver ved en søgning information om 66 vegan-venlige vine.
Marks & Spencer har et bredt sortiment på 184 vegan-venlige vine.

Det internationale advokatfirma BevVeg! har specialiseret sig i certificering af produkter, der lever op til vegansk standard og udsteder en logo-garanti for at der ikke er anvendt animalske produkter. Den europæiske Vegetar Union har en certificeringsinstans for veganske produkter, der mærkes med et V-Label Vegan.

Vegan Certified WineBichel vine oplyser at Vegan Society har autoriseret det chilenske vinhus Koyle til at bruge deres logo, som sikrer at alle husets vine er fri for animalske produkter. Autorisationen er så ny, at den først er registreret på etiketterne fra årgang 2018. Et eksempel er Koyle Costa La Flor Sauvignon Blanc 2018, lavet af økologisk dyrkede druer fra San Antonio Valley. Vinen er netop ankommet til Bichels lager i Hjortshøj og endnu ikke kommet med på Bichels vinliste, men vi fik lejlighed til et nærstudium af flasken. Den elegante etiket på flaskens forside er prydet med blomsten, La Flor, og på bagside-etiketten dukker det magiske ord, Vegan, op blandt de øvrige data om vinen. Det er godt nyt for danske veganere, der slipper for det animalske uden at gå glip af noget rent smagsmæssigt. Efter Lars Bo Henriksens erfaring kan man nemlig ikke smage forskel på, om klaring af vinen er sket med animalske eller veganske midler. Lars Bo Henriksen er direktør for Bichel med mange års erfaring fra arbejde i vinbranchen, så hans ord står til troende.

This article originally appeared on Vinbladet

 

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Wine Align: John Szabo’s VINTAGES Preview – Sept 15, 2018

John Szabo’s VINTAGES Preview – Sept 15, 2018

What’s a Vegan Wine? & International Smart Buys 

John Szabo, MS‘Consumer activism’ in the food and beverage world is on the rise. Demand for organic, biodynamic and/or sustainably certified products is growing as consumers seek to support ethically and environmentally-minded companies. This week I’d like to shed some light on a related trend: veganism. Plant-based lifers with both a health and a moral/ethical angle are mushrooming, and demand for vegan products, including wine is escalating. Yes, that’s right. Not all wines are vegan. Let me explain. The WineAlign crü has also picked out the smartest international buys of the September 15th VINTAGES release, and next week David will cover the main theme, Ontario. Read on to drink for a better world.

What’s a Vegan Wine? 

There is confusion about vegan wines. Even many friends in the trade I have asked in the last few weeks have responded with a perplexed look. Knowing what’s what made challenging by the fact that wine, unlike everything else we put into our bodies, is not required to have a list of ingredients. But anyone who sells wine should bone up on the trend. It’s only a matter of time before someone asks you for a vegan wine. And vegans want to know what to drink.

Numbers are murky in Canada, but according to Google Trends, veganism is the number one health trend in the US, beating Paleo

5/2 and gluten-free diets to the top spot. Google searches for “vegan” are up 90%. 6% of the US population now identifies as vegan, compared to 1% in 2014, while in the UK veganism has rocketed from an estimated 0.5 million people in 2016 to more than 3.5 million today, 5% of the population. If you don’t believe that the trend is also growing in Canada, just take a stroll through Parkdale in Toronto. It’s been renamed Vegandale. And when high-profile restauranteurs like the Chase Group and Grant Van Gameren open vegan restaurants (Planta and Rosalinda, respectively), to name but two, you know something is up.

vegandale

In contrast to vegetarianism, a purely dietary choice, veganism is not just about health and diet. It’s also adopted for environmental, ethical, and compassionate reasons. Influential documentaries such as Cowspiracy and What the Health have exposed the rather dramatic environmental cost of the meat and dairy industries. Philosophical opposition to exploitation of all animals is another driver.

cowspiracy

In short, veganism is a way of life, one that excludes the consumption or use of any products made from animals, including eggs, dairy, and honey.

The definition of veganism by the Vegan Society: 

“A philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”

So, where do wines run afoul of this philosophy?

For starters, it’s common practice for wines to be put through some sort of fining/clarification process before bottling to remove unwanted particles like dead yeast cells, proteins, and tannins, and to soften texture. Various fining agents are used to achieve this, and many are non-vegan such as gelatin (protein from animal, skin, bones and cartilage), isinglass (made from fish swim bladders), casein (milk protein), albumen (egg whites), sea shells, and rennet. Although all of these agents are filtered out, with virtually no residue in the finished wine, it’s still a vegan no-no.

Vegan wines, on the other hand, can be fined/clarified with vegan-friendly alternatives such as bentonite or kaolin clay, limestone, silica gel, plant-based casein, rennet or gelatin, or filtered through mediums like diatomaceous earth, paper, ceramics or charcoal. “We use pumpkin protein, potato protein or pea protein, kind of like passing a vegan smoothie through the wine,” says Sherry Karlo of Karlo Estates in Prince Edward County, the first vegan-certified wine producer in North America.

karlo estates prince edward county

There is also of course the tried and true, vegan-friendly method of time. Leave a wine long enough in barrel or tank, and particles will settle on the bottom, allowing the naturally clarified wine to be siphoned off the top.

De-acidifying wine is another process during which animal products can slip into your wine. Agents include unrease from crabs or mussels (a crystallizable enzyme), animal mucus (animal lysozome), or Milch (urebakterien, similar to milk). Vegan alternatives for de-acidification include plant-based unrease, lysozome, and urebakterien.

An even more hidden source of non-vegan products used in the winery is sugar. Sugar is occasionally added to wines in a process called chaptalization, which prolongs fermentation and increases the final alcohol content of the wine. The trouble is, some refined sugars are processed with bone char, which is unacceptable to many vegans. This is something I’m sure many winemakers are not even aware off (I certainly wasn’t until I did the research).

When it comes to packaging, a wax capsule that contains beeswax would be frowned upon, as would non-vegan glues used on labels. But in practice, switching to a vegan protocol in the winery is relatively simple – there’s really no need for any animal products. Indeed, many wines would qualify as vegan, even if the winery doesn’t know it.

But taking vegan protocols a step further, back into the vineyard, may be more of a challenge. Since the use of industrial chemical fertilizers is increasingly, and thankfully, being reduced around the world, most green-friendly growers turn to natural manures and compost. But a strictly vegan wine must be made from vineyards in which no animal-based fertilizers or sprays are used. (That means out with the famous biodynamic preparation 500, for which cow manure is put into a cow horn and buried over winter under the vines, dug up in the spring, diluted in water and sprayed in the vineyard.)

horns

Yet here, too, there’s an answer. Sebastiano Castiglioni, owner of organic/biodynamic/vegan-certified Querciabella in the Chianti Classico district in Tuscany has found a viable alternative: “As for fertilizers, we produce green manure (derived from composted plants), instead of all the ‘traditional’ preparations based on cow manure. We also grow our own medicinal and aromatic herbs for the compounds we spray, and we grow our own seeds for cover-crops mixes encompassing over 30 plant species at a time.” Judging by the quality of Querciabella wines, Castiglioni is certainly on to something.

But it doesn’t end at plant-based fertilizers and sprays. Ploughing by horse, another favoured organic/biodynamic practice and great for journalist photo-ops, is likewise, strictly speaking, not simpatico with the vegan philosophy of non-exploitation of animals. And I’m not certain about the practice of letting sheep wander your vineyard to graze to keep the grass down, or releasing chickens or geese to scratch the dirt and naturally fertilize – that would depend on how orthodox a vegan you ask – though I suspect that, too, is a no-no (is that exploitation?). But slaughtering the animal labour force at the end of the season and then selling or eating them, is, well, definitely out.

Vegan Certifications

There are no official government regulations concerning vegan certification, though many independent bodies exist that will provide certification and the use of a logo. Bellissima Prosecco, for example, is certified by BevVeg. All of certification organizations rely on the honesty of the manufacturer. The application process for BevVeg, for example, “will require you to provide the ingredients and products for which you are seeking BevVeg

certification.” Attorneys then review the application, and if satisfied that the products meet BevVeg’s standards, proceed to a contract to obtain BevVeg certification.

vegan certification logo

 

Physical spot checks are, I suspect, at least for the time being, impractical. But I also suspect the risk of retribution from the more zealous and extreme factions of the vegan world, should you be found out, would be motivation enough to keep producers on the up-and-up.

I’m sure that in time the LCBO will come out with an official line on vegan certifications. For now, none are recognized, although they are allowed to remain on labels. This is unlike unrecognized organic certifications– for these the winery or agent is required to add a sticker to the bottle stating: “organic certification not recognized in Canada”.

Awareness of vegan wines is still extremely low for the time being. Few are certified, even if many would qualify. That will change. But for now, anyone wishing to purchase vegan-friendly wine is advised to contact the producer directly and ask about the processes I’ve listed above, to see if the wine qualifies.

Even if you won’t be shopping for vegan wine anytime soon, it’s worth stopping for a moment and considering the motivation behind veganism. As Castiglioni points out: “It’s a thorny matter that should make us reflect on how ubiquitous animal products are in our everyday life. Most people wouldn’t worry about wine (nor about sugar or glue for that matter), but the truth is, veganism has to be the moral baseline of business if we truly want to see change. It’s imperative that consumers demand transparency and clear labelling to companies because the market’s demand is the most efficient way to achieve change, especially in the food sector.”

This article originally appeared on Wine Align. You can read the full article here.

John Szabo’s VINTAGES Preview – Sept 15, 2018

What’s a Vegan Wine? & International Smart Buys 

John Szabo, MS‘Consumer activism’ in the food and beverage world is on the rise. Demand for organic, biodynamic and/or sustainably certified products is growing as consumers seek to support ethically and environmentally-minded companies. This week I’d like to shed some light on a related trend: veganism. Plant-based lifers with both a health and a moral/ethical angle are mushrooming, and demand for vegan products, including wine is escalating. Yes, that’s right. Not all wines are vegan. Let me explain. The WineAlign crü has also picked out the smartest international buys of the September 15th VINTAGES release, and next week David will cover the main theme, Ontario. Read on to drink for a better world.

What’s a Vegan Wine? 

There is confusion about vegan wines. Even many friends in the trade I have asked in the last few weeks have responded with a perplexed look. Knowing what’s what made challenging by the fact that wine, unlike everything else we put into our bodies, is not required to have a list of ingredients. But anyone who sells wine should bone up on the trend. It’s only a matter of time before someone asks you for a vegan wine. And vegans want to know what to drink.

Numbers are murky in Canada, but according to Google Trends, veganism is the number one health trend in the US, beating Paleo

5/2 and gluten-free diets to the top spot. Google searches for “vegan” are up 90%. 6% of the US population now identifies as vegan, compared to 1% in 2014, while in the UK veganism has rocketed from an estimated 0.5 million people in 2016 to more than 3.5 million today, 5% of the population. If you don’t believe that the trend is also growing in Canada, just take a stroll through Parkdale in Toronto. It’s been renamed Vegandale. And when high-profile restauranteurs like the Chase Group and Grant Van Gameren open vegan restaurants (Planta and Rosalinda, respectively), to name but two, you know something is up.

vegandale

In contrast to vegetarianism, a purely dietary choice, veganism is not just about health and diet. It’s also adopted for environmental, ethical, and compassionate reasons. Influential documentaries such as Cowspiracy and What the Health have exposed the rather dramatic environmental cost of the meat and dairy industries. Philosophical opposition to exploitation of all animals is another driver.

cowspiracy

In short, veganism is a way of life, one that excludes the consumption or use of any products made from animals, including eggs, dairy, and honey.

The definition of veganism by the Vegan Society: 

“A philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”

So, where do wines run afoul of this philosophy?

For starters, it’s common practice for wines to be put through some sort of fining/clarification process before bottling to remove unwanted particles like dead yeast cells, proteins, and tannins, and to soften texture. Various fining agents are used to achieve this, and many are non-vegan such as gelatin (protein from animal, skin, bones and cartilage), isinglass (made from fish swim bladders), casein (milk protein), albumen (egg whites), sea shells, and rennet. Although all of these agents are filtered out, with virtually no residue in the finished wine, it’s still a vegan no-no.

Vegan wines, on the other hand, can be fined/clarified with vegan-friendly alternatives such as bentonite or kaolin clay, limestone, silica gel, plant-based casein, rennet or gelatin, or filtered through mediums like diatomaceous earth, paper, ceramics or charcoal. “We use pumpkin protein, potato protein or pea protein, kind of like passing a vegan smoothie through the wine,” says Sherry Karlo of Karlo Estates in Prince Edward County, the first vegan-certified wine producer in North America.

karlo estates prince edward county

There is also of course the tried and true, vegan-friendly method of time. Leave a wine long enough in barrel or tank, and particles will settle on the bottom, allowing the naturally clarified wine to be siphoned off the top.

De-acidifying wine is another process during which animal products can slip into your wine. Agents include unrease from crabs or mussels (a crystallizable enzyme), animal mucus (animal lysozome), or Milch (urebakterien, similar to milk). Vegan alternatives for de-acidification include plant-based unrease, lysozome, and urebakterien.

An even more hidden source of non-vegan products used in the winery is sugar. Sugar is occasionally added to wines in a process called chaptalization, which prolongs fermentation and increases the final alcohol content of the wine. The trouble is, some refined sugars are processed with bone char, which is unacceptable to many vegans. This is something I’m sure many winemakers are not even aware off (I certainly wasn’t until I did the research).

When it comes to packaging, a wax capsule that contains beeswax would be frowned upon, as would non-vegan glues used on labels. But in practice, switching to a vegan protocol in the winery is relatively simple – there’s really no need for any animal products. Indeed, many wines would qualify as vegan, even if the winery doesn’t know it.

But taking vegan protocols a step further, back into the vineyard, may be more of a challenge. Since the use of industrial chemical fertilizers is increasingly, and thankfully, being reduced around the world, most green-friendly growers turn to natural manures and compost. But a strictly vegan wine must be made from vineyards in which no animal-based fertilizers or sprays are used. (That means out with the famous biodynamic preparation 500, for which cow manure is put into a cow horn and buried over winter under the vines, dug up in the spring, diluted in water and sprayed in the vineyard.)

horns

Yet here, too, there’s an answer. Sebastiano Castiglioni, owner of organic/biodynamic/vegan-certified Querciabella in the Chianti Classico district in Tuscany has found a viable alternative: “As for fertilizers, we produce green manure (derived from composted plants), instead of all the ‘traditional’ preparations based on cow manure. We also grow our own medicinal and aromatic herbs for the compounds we spray, and we grow our own seeds for cover-crops mixes encompassing over 30 plant species at a time.” Judging by the quality of Querciabella wines, Castiglioni is certainly on to something.

But it doesn’t end at plant-based fertilizers and sprays. Ploughing by horse, another favoured organic/biodynamic practice and great for journalist photo-ops, is likewise, strictly speaking, not simpatico with the vegan philosophy of non-exploitation of animals. And I’m not certain about the practice of letting sheep wander your vineyard to graze to keep the grass down, or releasing chickens or geese to scratch the dirt and naturally fertilize – that would depend on how orthodox a vegan you ask – though I suspect that, too, is a no-no (is that exploitation?). But slaughtering the animal labour force at the end of the season and then selling or eating them, is, well, definitely out.

Vegan Certifications

There are no official government regulations concerning vegan certification, though many independent bodies exist that will provide certification and the use of a logo. Bellissima Prosecco, for example, is certified by BevVeg. All of certification organizations rely on the honesty of the manufacturer. The application process for BevVeg, for example, “will require you to provide the ingredients and products for which you are seeking BevVeg

certification.” Attorneys then review the application, and if satisfied that the products meet BevVeg’s standards, proceed to a contract to obtain BevVeg certification.

vegan certification logo

 

Physical spot checks are, I suspect, at least for the time being, impractical. But I also suspect the risk of retribution from the more zealous and extreme factions of the vegan world, should you be found out, would be motivation enough to keep producers on the up-and-up.

I’m sure that in time the LCBO will come out with an official line on vegan certifications. For now, none are recognized, although they are allowed to remain on labels. This is unlike unrecognized organic certifications– for these the winery or agent is required to add a sticker to the bottle stating: “organic certification not recognized in Canada”.

Awareness of vegan wines is still extremely low for the time being. Few are certified, even if many would qualify. That will change. But for now, anyone wishing to purchase vegan-friendly wine is advised to contact the producer directly and ask about the processes I’ve listed above, to see if the wine qualifies.

Even if you won’t be shopping for vegan wine anytime soon, it’s worth stopping for a moment and considering the motivation behind veganism. As Castiglioni points out: “It’s a thorny matter that should make us reflect on how ubiquitous animal products are in our everyday life. Most people wouldn’t worry about wine (nor about sugar or glue for that matter), but the truth is, veganism has to be the moral baseline of business if we truly want to see change. It’s imperative that consumers demand transparency and clear labelling to companies because the market’s demand is the most efficient way to achieve change, especially in the food sector.”

This article originally appeared on Wine Align. You can read the full article here.

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LIVEKINDLY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VEGAN ALCOHOL

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VEGAN ALCOHOL

The vegan alcohol market is booming; this is your guide to all the best cruelty-free beers, wines, and spirits available.

The vegan alcohol market has exploded in the last few years, with improved sourcing, better labeling, and even dedicated vegan ranges flooding the global beer and wine industry.

Australian wine-makers decided that vegan labeling was a selling point in 2018 and upped their cruelty-free marketing game accordingly. In the UK, popular food and drink retailer Marks and Spencer’s has responded to market trends by introducing vegan labeling to its wines, while Britain’s leading wine specialist, Majestic Wines relaunched its website and labeling system in October 2017 to include dedicated vegan options.

The trend towards vegan-friendly booze is in-keeping with the rapid growth of consumers moving towards more plant-based and meat-free lifestyles.

A recent study by comparison site Finder estimated that the number of  UK vegans, vegetarians, and pescetarians will increase by 12 million by 2020. Further research by Vitabiotics revealed that 37 percent of people in Ireland are ready to adopt a fully vegan diet due to environmental concerns and personal ethics.

What Is Vegan Alcohol?

Just like vegan food, cosmetics, or clothing, vegan alcohol does not contain any animal products and has not utilized any animal ingredients during its production.

While there are very few beef-flavored beverages, there are a surprising number of drinks that use animal products during their production. Like bone char, which is sometimes used to purify sugar, animal ingredients are sometimes used in alcoholic beverages to ensure a clear brew, in a process called “fining.” Tannins, proteins, and other organic compounds are removed from the final product, creating a purer beverage.

Fining is an important part of the overall brewing process, substances removed would affect the flavor of the finished product and would also mean a murkier brew, with obvious sediment floating around your pint glass. Traditionally, fining relies upon animal products to filter out the nasties in our hooch. The top three most commonly used non-vegan ingredients are:

 

  • Isinglass: This is the serial offender when it comes to making beer and wine vegan unfriendly and it is made from the dried swim bladders of fish, mostly cod and sturgeon.
  • Gelatin: This is made by boiling the skin, tendons, and bones of animals, usually pigs and cows.
  • Casein: This is a protein commonly found in cow’s milk.

Other animal ingredients used to filter fermented drinks include egg white, animal blood, and chitin, which is made from crustacean shells.

Animal-ingredients have been used in the fining process for centuries, except for in forward-thinking Germany where all beer has been vegan-friendly since the 16th century thanks to the German Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) which requires natural clearing processes and ingredients to be used in brewing.

Thankfully, many winemakers and beer-brewers are following the Bavarian example and turning to plant-based alternatives for filtering their wares. Common vegan finings includes Irish moss, pea protein, and bentonite which is made from clay.

Occasionally, animal ingredients are also used for flavor. Dairy is in some aperitifs, such as Crème de menthe, and eggs are in thick liquors such as advocaat. Perhaps the most obvious example of non-vegan liquor is Bailey’s Irish cream, which can now be enjoyed by dairy-free drinkers in the form of Bailey’s Almande.

Some beers and wines contain animal ingredients such as the flavor enhancer castoreum (from the castor sacs of the male beaver) and the less ambiguous sounding honey. Made by bees, honey is particularly popular in some traditional ales and fermented wines. This hails back to the Viking days, mead was a popular beverage made from honey and spices.

New Developments In Vegan Booze

The increase in vegan-friendly alcohol has come about largely due to market demand. In 2018, UK beermaker Tyne Bank Brewery made all of its cask ales vegan by replacing isinglass with a vegan alternative. The decision to forego fish filaments was, according to company founder Julia Austin, a “no brainer.”

“The new fining still gives the same performance, whilst meeting the market need for vegan-friendly beer!” said Austin.

This is seconded by Org de Rac’s cellar master, Frank Meaker, whose South African wine company went fully vegan in 2018 after swapping isinglass for bentonite. Meaker said, “being a producer of vegan wines comes at the right time for us as there is a growing generation of everyday consumers avoiding animal products totally.”

BeVeg

BevVeg Circle Gold xAmerican law firm BeVeg has been working to get fish bladders out of our wine since 2017. The Florida firm was founded by former prosecutor and litigator Carissa Kranz with the primary goal of making food and drink companies vegan-friendly.

At present, alcohol is commonly exempt from other food labeling laws, meaning a glance at your pinot grigio’s label may tell you about the wine’s subtle hints of cottage marmalade, but it won’t tell you if it contains traces of gelatin.

BeVeg has taken exception to this oversight, and the firm is dedicated to regulating the sourcing and labeling of products to make it easier for customers to find vegan products. BeVeg offers its own official stamp of approval in the form of the BevVeg certification seal. As BeVeg proudly states on its web site’s homepage: “We certify vegan.”

As Kranz explained to LIVEKINDLY, “If you see our BeVeg certification seal, you can trust BeVeg worked with those brands in the spirit of full transparency and disclosures.”

While BeVeg is making great advances in making alcohol labeling fully transparent, this mammoth task is a work in progress. In the meantime, a little research is required to ensure your tipple is cruelty-free. Many supermarkets, such as the Co-Op, now have dedicated vegan alcohol sections on their websites, or for a really comprehensive list of all vegan intoxicants, the Barnivore website provides an invaluable guide.

Barnivore

This crowdfunded vegan alcohol directory lists over 44,000 alcoholic beverages, from the every day to the obscure. The listings are mostly provided by site users, who can send a ready prepared email inquiry to their brewer of choice, with the response then reported back to Barnivore to add to its listings. Although Barnivore does not yet have its own app, the company recommends VegTipple for Android phones and VeggieBeers for iPhones.

The Canadian company was founded in 2003 by Jason Doucette and is now available in 23 languages.  Doucette told LIVEKINDLY that he thought some manufacturers still using animal products in their brews were largely down to “reasons of personal preference, adherence in traditions, or limitations based on their facilities.” 

“We can’t argue with subjective reasons like how someone thinks something tastes, but I’d suggest that the benefits of vegan-friendly alcohol outweigh any sentimentalities that involve dead animals. After all, if Guinness can change their process, I’d figure anyone can,” Doucette told LIVEKINDLY.

Until all brewers, distillers, and winemakers follow Guinness’ example, here is our list of the most popular vegan tipples.

Top 10 Vegan Beers In The U.S.

1. Budweiser

America’s most popular beer brewed by Anheuser-Busch is indeed vegan-friendly. The original Budweiser, Bud Light, and the fruity Bud Light Straw-Ber-Ita and Bud Light Lime-A-Rita are also vegan.

Vegan Bud Light fans should steer clear of Bud Light Clamato Chelada as this contains shellfish.

2. Coors

Coors’ mellow beverages brewed by Molson Coors are vegan-friendly if they are brewed in Canada or Mexico, this includes full-fat Coors, Coors Light, and Coors Banquet beer.

Coors drinks brewed in the UK are filtered with isinglass. If in doubt, check the can or tap tag to confirm the brewing location.

3. Miller

All Miller drinks are vegan making it easier than ever to indulge in some Miller Time.

4. Corona

All Corona drinks, brewed by Cervecería Modelo, are vegan, including their Corona Extra and Corona Light.

5. Natural

Another brew from Anheuser-Busch, all Natural beers are vegan.

6. Busch

Known for being as “cool and crisp as a mountain stream” Busch beers can also add vegan to its description. The full range is animal-product free, including the Busch Ice and Busch NA.

7. Michelob

Brewed in America from two-grain barley, all of Michelob’s beers are vegan except those that contain honey. Luckily, these all have the word honey in their names, such as the Michelob Honey Lager, so it’s easy to avoid.

8. Heineken

All of Heineken’s beers are vegan, whether draught, can, or alcohol-free. Heineken has its own brewery, and also makes the vegan beers Desperados, Amstel, Golden Pheasant Beet, Applemans Cider.

The following beers from Heineken’s barrels are not vegan:

  • Newcastle Brown Ale
  • Symonds Scrumpy Jack Cider
  • Cute Hoor Redhead Ale
  • Murphy’s Irish Stout
  • Symonds Bulmers Original Cider
  • Woodpecker Cider
  • Cute Hoor Irish Pale Ale

9. Modelo Especial

All of Grupo Modelo Beers’ offerings are vegan-friendly including Modelo Negra and Modelo Chelada.

10. Pabst Blue Ribbon

This American brewing company has been making beer since 1844 and all of its malty beverages are vegan.

Top 10 Vegan Beers In UK

1. Guinness

The black stuff has been brewed in Dublin since 1759 and finally went fully vegan in late 2017, much to the delight of stout fans.

2. Stella Artois

All of the French beers varieties are vegan except Stella Artois Cidre and Stella Artois Apple Cidre, but the pear cider is vegan.

3. Carlsberg

From the Danish brewer of the same name, all Carlsberg beers, including Carlsberg Export, Carlsberg Edge, and Carlsberg Smooth Draught are vegan, except if you’re in Australia where the Carlsberg on tap is not.

The Carlsberg brewery also makes the following vegan beer brands:

  • Holsten Pils
  • Asahi Super Dry
  • Brooklyn Lager
  • SKOL
  • Tuborg

4. Tennent’s

All of Tennent’s Ireland brewed beers are vegan.

5. Pilsner Urquell

Brewed in the UK, Czech Republic, USA, South Africa, and Poland this truly international beer is completely vegan.

6. Beck’s

All of this originally German company’s beers are vegan, except Beck’s Gold.

7. Grolsch

As well as being undeniably fun to say, this Dutch beer range is completely vegan.

8. Peroni

All of the Italian company’s beers are vegan and have been since 1846.

9. San Miguel

Spain’s top-selling beer is entirely vegan.

10. Hoegaarden

Brewed in Belgium, this citrusy wheat beer is vegan.

Beers lovers in the UK should be aware that the following popular brands are not vegan:

  • Carling. None of its lagers are suitable, however, some of its summer ciders are.
  • Kronenbourg 1664. UK brewed Kronenbourg is made using isinglass, however, all other countries brewing the beer do so without animal products.
  • Fosters UK is not vegan, however, all Australian brewed Foster’s products are.
  • None of John Smith’s products are vegan.

Top 10 Vegan Wine Companies

While beer is an enjoyable way to while away an evening, and there is an increasing trade in craft beer, wine tends to be the booze of choice for complementing a meal or savoring a special event. Whether you like your wine oaky, crisp, fruity, or bubbly, there is a vegan wine that will make you reach for another top-up.

1. Querciabella

This biodynamic vegan wine company owned by Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni is based in Italy’s wine country, Tuscany. All of its wines are fully vegan and eco-friendly.

2. Red Truck Winery

Inspired by a painting that now graces the company’s bottles, this company does not use any animal ingredients in its processing and its Green Truck model wines are vegan certified for that additional guarantee.

3. La Crema

This artisanal wine company is based in the Russian Valley and the company does not use any animal ingredients in its wines.

4. Lumos Wine Company

Based in Oregon, all of Lumos’ wines are vegan-friendly, including those that are made using vegan certified sugar.

5. Frey Vineyards

This third-generation run, biodynamic wine company has won awards for its sulfite-free and fully vegan range.

6. Vegan Wines

The clue is in the name of this company, founded by Frances Gonzalez in 2017. The California company also offers vegan wine clubs, complete with vegan cheese.

7. Wilson’s Creek Winery

Based in Temecula, this family-run company offers a variety of vegan sparkling, red, white and rose wines.

8. Org De Rac Organic Wines

Based in South Africa’s Swartland, all of the wines are made with organic, locally grown grapes.

9. Meiomi

Founded in California by Melissa Stackhouse, all of Meiomi’s wines are vegan-friendly.

10. Girasole Vineyards

Crafted from succulent grapes grown in the Redwood Valley, every bottle is vegan and GMO-free.

Vegan Spirits

When only the hard stuff will do, luckily most spirits do not require fining and so are vegan-friendly.

As we mentioned before, a few products do slip the odd animal ingredient in, but these are usually obvious from the name, look out for beverages with names such as Arran Gold Cream Liqueur or Black Fox Honey Ginger Liqueur. If in doubt, check the Barnivore website, before downing.

This article originally appeared on Livekindly. You can read the original article here

 

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VEGAN ALCOHOL

The vegan alcohol market is booming; this is your guide to all the best cruelty-free beers, wines, and spirits available.

The vegan alcohol market has exploded in the last few years, with improved sourcing, better labeling, and even dedicated vegan ranges flooding the global beer and wine industry.

Australian wine-makers decided that vegan labeling was a selling point in 2018 and upped their cruelty-free marketing game accordingly. In the UK, popular food and drink retailer Marks and Spencer’s has responded to market trends by introducing vegan labeling to its wines, while Britain’s leading wine specialist, Majestic Wines relaunched its website and labeling system in October 2017 to include dedicated vegan options.

The trend towards vegan-friendly booze is in-keeping with the rapid growth of consumers moving towards more plant-based and meat-free lifestyles.

A recent study by comparison site Finder estimated that the number of  UK vegans, vegetarians, and pescetarians will increase by 12 million by 2020. Further research by Vitabiotics revealed that 37 percent of people in Ireland are ready to adopt a fully vegan diet due to environmental concerns and personal ethics.

What Is Vegan Alcohol?

Just like vegan food, cosmetics, or clothing, vegan alcohol does not contain any animal products and has not utilized any animal ingredients during its production.

While there are very few beef-flavored beverages, there are a surprising number of drinks that use animal products during their production. Like bone char, which is sometimes used to purify sugar, animal ingredients are sometimes used in alcoholic beverages to ensure a clear brew, in a process called “fining.” Tannins, proteins, and other organic compounds are removed from the final product, creating a purer beverage.

Fining is an important part of the overall brewing process, substances removed would affect the flavor of the finished product and would also mean a murkier brew, with obvious sediment floating around your pint glass. Traditionally, fining relies upon animal products to filter out the nasties in our hooch. The top three most commonly used non-vegan ingredients are:

 

  • Isinglass: This is the serial offender when it comes to making beer and wine vegan unfriendly and it is made from the dried swim bladders of fish, mostly cod and sturgeon.
  • Gelatin: This is made by boiling the skin, tendons, and bones of animals, usually pigs and cows.
  • Casein: This is a protein commonly found in cow’s milk.

Other animal ingredients used to filter fermented drinks include egg white, animal blood, and chitin, which is made from crustacean shells.

Animal-ingredients have been used in the fining process for centuries, except for in forward-thinking Germany where all beer has been vegan-friendly since the 16th century thanks to the German Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) which requires natural clearing processes and ingredients to be used in brewing.

Thankfully, many winemakers and beer-brewers are following the Bavarian example and turning to plant-based alternatives for filtering their wares. Common vegan finings includes Irish moss, pea protein, and bentonite which is made from clay.

Occasionally, animal ingredients are also used for flavor. Dairy is in some aperitifs, such as Crème de menthe, and eggs are in thick liquors such as advocaat. Perhaps the most obvious example of non-vegan liquor is Bailey’s Irish cream, which can now be enjoyed by dairy-free drinkers in the form of Bailey’s Almande.

Some beers and wines contain animal ingredients such as the flavor enhancer castoreum (from the castor sacs of the male beaver) and the less ambiguous sounding honey. Made by bees, honey is particularly popular in some traditional ales and fermented wines. This hails back to the Viking days, mead was a popular beverage made from honey and spices.

New Developments In Vegan Booze

The increase in vegan-friendly alcohol has come about largely due to market demand. In 2018, UK beermaker Tyne Bank Brewery made all of its cask ales vegan by replacing isinglass with a vegan alternative. The decision to forego fish filaments was, according to company founder Julia Austin, a “no brainer.”

“The new fining still gives the same performance, whilst meeting the market need for vegan-friendly beer!” said Austin.

This is seconded by Org de Rac’s cellar master, Frank Meaker, whose South African wine company went fully vegan in 2018 after swapping isinglass for bentonite. Meaker said, “being a producer of vegan wines comes at the right time for us as there is a growing generation of everyday consumers avoiding animal products totally.”

BeVeg

BevVeg Circle Gold xAmerican law firm BeVeg has been working to get fish bladders out of our wine since 2017. The Florida firm was founded by former prosecutor and litigator Carissa Kranz with the primary goal of making food and drink companies vegan-friendly.

At present, alcohol is commonly exempt from other food labeling laws, meaning a glance at your pinot grigio’s label may tell you about the wine’s subtle hints of cottage marmalade, but it won’t tell you if it contains traces of gelatin.

BeVeg has taken exception to this oversight, and the firm is dedicated to regulating the sourcing and labeling of products to make it easier for customers to find vegan products. BeVeg offers its own official stamp of approval in the form of the BevVeg certification seal. As BeVeg proudly states on its web site’s homepage: “We certify vegan.”

As Kranz explained to LIVEKINDLY, “If you see our BeVeg certification seal, you can trust BeVeg worked with those brands in the spirit of full transparency and disclosures.”

While BeVeg is making great advances in making alcohol labeling fully transparent, this mammoth task is a work in progress. In the meantime, a little research is required to ensure your tipple is cruelty-free. Many supermarkets, such as the Co-Op, now have dedicated vegan alcohol sections on their websites, or for a really comprehensive list of all vegan intoxicants, the Barnivore website provides an invaluable guide.

Barnivore

This crowdfunded vegan alcohol directory lists over 44,000 alcoholic beverages, from the every day to the obscure. The listings are mostly provided by site users, who can send a ready prepared email inquiry to their brewer of choice, with the response then reported back to Barnivore to add to its listings. Although Barnivore does not yet have its own app, the company recommends VegTipple for Android phones and VeggieBeers for iPhones.

The Canadian company was founded in 2003 by Jason Doucette and is now available in 23 languages.  Doucette told LIVEKINDLY that he thought some manufacturers still using animal products in their brews were largely down to “reasons of personal preference, adherence in traditions, or limitations based on their facilities.” 

“We can’t argue with subjective reasons like how someone thinks something tastes, but I’d suggest that the benefits of vegan-friendly alcohol outweigh any sentimentalities that involve dead animals. After all, if Guinness can change their process, I’d figure anyone can,” Doucette told LIVEKINDLY.

Until all brewers, distillers, and winemakers follow Guinness’ example, here is our list of the most popular vegan tipples.

Top 10 Vegan Beers In The U.S.

1. Budweiser

America’s most popular beer brewed by Anheuser-Busch is indeed vegan-friendly. The original Budweiser, Bud Light, and the fruity Bud Light Straw-Ber-Ita and Bud Light Lime-A-Rita are also vegan.

Vegan Bud Light fans should steer clear of Bud Light Clamato Chelada as this contains shellfish.

2. Coors

Coors’ mellow beverages brewed by Molson Coors are vegan-friendly if they are brewed in Canada or Mexico, this includes full-fat Coors, Coors Light, and Coors Banquet beer.

Coors drinks brewed in the UK are filtered with isinglass. If in doubt, check the can or tap tag to confirm the brewing location.

3. Miller

All Miller drinks are vegan making it easier than ever to indulge in some Miller Time.

4. Corona

All Corona drinks, brewed by Cervecería Modelo, are vegan, including their Corona Extra and Corona Light.

5. Natural

Another brew from Anheuser-Busch, all Natural beers are vegan.

6. Busch

Known for being as “cool and crisp as a mountain stream” Busch beers can also add vegan to its description. The full range is animal-product free, including the Busch Ice and Busch NA.

7. Michelob

Brewed in America from two-grain barley, all of Michelob’s beers are vegan except those that contain honey. Luckily, these all have the word honey in their names, such as the Michelob Honey Lager, so it’s easy to avoid.

8. Heineken

All of Heineken’s beers are vegan, whether draught, can, or alcohol-free. Heineken has its own brewery, and also makes the vegan beers Desperados, Amstel, Golden Pheasant Beet, Applemans Cider.

The following beers from Heineken’s barrels are not vegan:

  • Newcastle Brown Ale
  • Symonds Scrumpy Jack Cider
  • Cute Hoor Redhead Ale
  • Murphy’s Irish Stout
  • Symonds Bulmers Original Cider
  • Woodpecker Cider
  • Cute Hoor Irish Pale Ale

9. Modelo Especial

All of Grupo Modelo Beers’ offerings are vegan-friendly including Modelo Negra and Modelo Chelada.

10. Pabst Blue Ribbon

This American brewing company has been making beer since 1844 and all of its malty beverages are vegan.

Top 10 Vegan Beers In UK

1. Guinness

The black stuff has been brewed in Dublin since 1759 and finally went fully vegan in late 2017, much to the delight of stout fans.

2. Stella Artois

All of the French beers varieties are vegan except Stella Artois Cidre and Stella Artois Apple Cidre, but the pear cider is vegan.

3. Carlsberg

From the Danish brewer of the same name, all Carlsberg beers, including Carlsberg Export, Carlsberg Edge, and Carlsberg Smooth Draught are vegan, except if you’re in Australia where the Carlsberg on tap is not.

The Carlsberg brewery also makes the following vegan beer brands:

  • Holsten Pils
  • Asahi Super Dry
  • Brooklyn Lager
  • SKOL
  • Tuborg

4. Tennent’s

All of Tennent’s Ireland brewed beers are vegan.

5. Pilsner Urquell

Brewed in the UK, Czech Republic, USA, South Africa, and Poland this truly international beer is completely vegan.

6. Beck’s

All of this originally German company’s beers are vegan, except Beck’s Gold.

7. Grolsch

As well as being undeniably fun to say, this Dutch beer range is completely vegan.

8. Peroni

All of the Italian company’s beers are vegan and have been since 1846.

9. San Miguel

Spain’s top-selling beer is entirely vegan.

10. Hoegaarden

Brewed in Belgium, this citrusy wheat beer is vegan.

Beers lovers in the UK should be aware that the following popular brands are not vegan:

  • Carling. None of its lagers are suitable, however, some of its summer ciders are.
  • Kronenbourg 1664. UK brewed Kronenbourg is made using isinglass, however, all other countries brewing the beer do so without animal products.
  • Fosters UK is not vegan, however, all Australian brewed Foster’s products are.
  • None of John Smith’s products are vegan.

Top 10 Vegan Wine Companies

While beer is an enjoyable way to while away an evening, and there is an increasing trade in craft beer, wine tends to be the booze of choice for complementing a meal or savoring a special event. Whether you like your wine oaky, crisp, fruity, or bubbly, there is a vegan wine that will make you reach for another top-up.

1. Querciabella

This biodynamic vegan wine company owned by Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni is based in Italy’s wine country, Tuscany. All of its wines are fully vegan and eco-friendly.

2. Red Truck Winery

Inspired by a painting that now graces the company’s bottles, this company does not use any animal ingredients in its processing and its Green Truck model wines are vegan certified for that additional guarantee.

3. La Crema

This artisanal wine company is based in the Russian Valley and the company does not use any animal ingredients in its wines.

4. Lumos Wine Company

Based in Oregon, all of Lumos’ wines are vegan-friendly, including those that are made using vegan certified sugar.

5. Frey Vineyards

This third-generation run, biodynamic wine company has won awards for its sulfite-free and fully vegan range.

6. Vegan Wines

The clue is in the name of this company, founded by Frances Gonzalez in 2017. The California company also offers vegan wine clubs, complete with vegan cheese.

7. Wilson’s Creek Winery

Based in Temecula, this family-run company offers a variety of vegan sparkling, red, white and rose wines.

8. Org De Rac Organic Wines

Based in South Africa’s Swartland, all of the wines are made with organic, locally grown grapes.

9. Meiomi

Founded in California by Melissa Stackhouse, all of Meiomi’s wines are vegan-friendly.

10. Girasole Vineyards

Crafted from succulent grapes grown in the Redwood Valley, every bottle is vegan and GMO-free.

Vegan Spirits

When only the hard stuff will do, luckily most spirits do not require fining and so are vegan-friendly.

As we mentioned before, a few products do slip the odd animal ingredient in, but these are usually obvious from the name, look out for beverages with names such as Arran Gold Cream Liqueur or Black Fox Honey Ginger Liqueur. If in doubt, check the Barnivore website, before downing.

This article originally appeared on Livekindly. You can read the original article here

 

Read more
meangirls

VEGANS NEWS: Washington Winery Nocking Point Has Launched A Vegan Wine

Washington Winery Nocking Point Has Launched A Vegan Wine

vegan plant based news vegan wine livekindly Cropped e

It’s been a long time since “Mean Girls” first hit theaters and right up ’til the present time, Tina Fey’s satire remains the dearest part of popular and camp culture. What’s more, there’s presently a vegan wine to enable you to celebrate.

Walla Walla, Washington-based winery Nocking Point Wines has collaborated with “Mean Girls” star Jonathan Bennett, who plays Regina George’s (Rachel McAdams) ex and Cady Heron’s (Lindsay Lohan) love enthusiasm, to dispatch the bubbly pink Wednesday Rosé.

“You CAN sip with us,” starts the portrayal for the vegan rosé.

Regardless of whether the wine is vegan comes down to the winery how it approaches the fining procedure — an industry term that alludes to how wine is separated.

vegan plant based news rose wednesdays livekindly x x
Fining may include the utilization of animal inferred fixings like egg whites, milk proteins, gelatin, or isinglass, the dried swim bladder of certain fish species. While conventional, animal items aren’t required for the fining procedure —  bentonite clay, kaolin clay, pea protein isolate, limestone, and silica are all vegan alternatives.

While the expression “vegan” isn’t controlled by the USDA or FDA, a BevVeg logo implies that not just that the wine is referred to is free from animal products, yet additionally that the organization was totally straightforward about fixings utilized in its procedure.

Nocking Point’s vegan “Mean Girls” rosé is accessible on their website

This article originally appeared on Vegans News. You can read the original article here

 

Washington Winery Nocking Point Has Launched A Vegan Wine

vegan plant based news vegan wine livekindly Cropped e

It’s been a long time since “Mean Girls” first hit theaters and right up ’til the present time, Tina Fey’s satire remains the dearest part of popular and camp culture. What’s more, there’s presently a vegan wine to enable you to celebrate.

Walla Walla, Washington-based winery Nocking Point Wines has collaborated with “Mean Girls” star Jonathan Bennett, who plays Regina George’s (Rachel McAdams) ex and Cady Heron’s (Lindsay Lohan) love enthusiasm, to dispatch the bubbly pink Wednesday Rosé.

“You CAN sip with us,” starts the portrayal for the vegan rosé.

Regardless of whether the wine is vegan comes down to the winery how it approaches the fining procedure — an industry term that alludes to how wine is separated.

vegan plant based news rose wednesdays livekindly x x
Fining may include the utilization of animal inferred fixings like egg whites, milk proteins, gelatin, or isinglass, the dried swim bladder of certain fish species. While conventional, animal items aren’t required for the fining procedure —  bentonite clay, kaolin clay, pea protein isolate, limestone, and silica are all vegan alternatives.

While the expression “vegan” isn’t controlled by the USDA or FDA, a BevVeg logo implies that not just that the wine is referred to is free from animal products, yet additionally that the organization was totally straightforward about fixings utilized in its procedure.

Nocking Point’s vegan “Mean Girls” rosé is accessible on their website

This article originally appeared on Vegans News. You can read the original article here

 

Read more
vinetur x

Vinetur: CCL Certificación ofrece en España una certificación de alimentos para consumidores veganos

CCL Certificación ofrece en España una certificación de alimentos para consumidores veganos

La inmensa mayoría de vinos NO son aptos para veganos, además el término “vegano” no está regulado por la legislación actual así que el consumidor tiene muy difícil saber con garantías si un vino es realmente vegano

vinos vegano

Se calcula que en España un 7,8% de la población mayor de 18 años es flexivegetariana, es decir, que come básicamente vegetales y de forma esporádica carne o pescado; un 1,3%, es vegetariana y un 0,2%, vegana.

Ya sea por convicción o por moda, en algunos países en años recientes ha crecido el número de personas que adopta una dieta vegana, que excluye los alimentos de origen animal, como carnes, pescados, lácteos, huevos y miel.

Sin embargo, a la hora de buscar un producto vegano procesado o elaborado, como es el vino, la cosa puede no resultar tan sencilla, debido a que las industrias alimentarias no están obligadas por ley a incluir información nutricional ni especificar los ingredientes de origen animal, en las etiquetas de sus productos.

vinos vegano

Es un hecho que el término “vegano” no está regulado por la legislación actual y de momento, el consumidor no tiene forma de saber si el producto es realmente vegano.

Los consumidores quieren saber la verdadera historia detrás de los vinos que compran, por este motivo, los veganos necesitan una fuente en la que puedan confiar.

En respuesta a esta tendencia vegana, los minoristas y la gran distribución, están buscando más productos con etiquetas de certificación vegana para dar confianza a un mercado que va en alza.

menu vegano

BevVeg es una agencia regulatoria privada con sede en Estados Unidos. La componen abogados especialistas en derecho alimentario, que trabajan en defensa del veganismo.

BevVeg es el ESTÁNDAR DE ORO para la certificación de alimentos y bebidas veganas, tal y como reconocen en Forbes, California Winery Advisor, PETA, CBS, Social Life Magazine y otros reputados medios de prensa internacionales.

El sello de certificación BevVeg permite a los consumidores saber que los productos que buscan son realmente veganos, este distintivo cuenta además con una larga tradición en el sector del vino.

El estricto proceso de certificación revela que no se utilizan ingredientes o subproductos animales en el proceso de fabricación, así como también se controla que el sistema de proveedores de la industria no compromete la integridad vegana, requiriendo pruebas fidedignas a los fabricantes de los ingredientes que componen el producto.

Por este motivo, el logotipo “BevVeg!” envía una clara señal a los consumidores de que los productos son seguros para los veganos. La marca BevVeg es muy popular en EEUU y Latinoamérica y está considerado un “must have” si se quiere acceder a estos mercados.

Este distintivo de calidad, llega ahora a España de la mano de CCL CERTIFICACIÓN que ha llegado a un acuerdo con el prestigioso sello “BevVeg”, totalmente integrado en América, para ofrecer en el sector de vino una certificación para los consumidores veganos con las máximas garantías.

Desde esta agencia de española de certificación afirman para Vinetur que “nuestra intención es proporcionar información fiel a los consumidores veganos, dotando a las empresas alimentarias de una herramienta de verificación que soluciona el problema de transparencia en el etiquetado, fuertemente demandada por el veganismo. Como no puede ser de otra manera también los consumidores de vino demandan una certificación de vino vegano.

Se trata, sin duda, por un lado de un nuevo mecanismo que tienen ahora las bodegas para aumentar sus ventas a través de nuevos tipos de clientes, y por otro de una manera segura que tienen los consumidores de comprar auténtico vino vegano.

This article originally appeared on Vinetur. You can read the original article here

CCL Certificación ofrece en España una certificación de alimentos para consumidores veganos

La inmensa mayoría de vinos NO son aptos para veganos, además el término “vegano” no está regulado por la legislación actual así que el consumidor tiene muy difícil saber con garantías si un vino es realmente vegano

vinos vegano

Se calcula que en España un 7,8% de la población mayor de 18 años es flexivegetariana, es decir, que come básicamente vegetales y de forma esporádica carne o pescado; un 1,3%, es vegetariana y un 0,2%, vegana.

Ya sea por convicción o por moda, en algunos países en años recientes ha crecido el número de personas que adopta una dieta vegana, que excluye los alimentos de origen animal, como carnes, pescados, lácteos, huevos y miel.

Sin embargo, a la hora de buscar un producto vegano procesado o elaborado, como es el vino, la cosa puede no resultar tan sencilla, debido a que las industrias alimentarias no están obligadas por ley a incluir información nutricional ni especificar los ingredientes de origen animal, en las etiquetas de sus productos.

vinos vegano

Es un hecho que el término “vegano” no está regulado por la legislación actual y de momento, el consumidor no tiene forma de saber si el producto es realmente vegano.

Los consumidores quieren saber la verdadera historia detrás de los vinos que compran, por este motivo, los veganos necesitan una fuente en la que puedan confiar.

En respuesta a esta tendencia vegana, los minoristas y la gran distribución, están buscando más productos con etiquetas de certificación vegana para dar confianza a un mercado que va en alza.

menu vegano

BevVeg es una agencia regulatoria privada con sede en Estados Unidos. La componen abogados especialistas en derecho alimentario, que trabajan en defensa del veganismo.

BevVeg es el ESTÁNDAR DE ORO para la certificación de alimentos y bebidas veganas, tal y como reconocen en Forbes, California Winery Advisor, PETA, CBS, Social Life Magazine y otros reputados medios de prensa internacionales.

El sello de certificación BevVeg permite a los consumidores saber que los productos que buscan son realmente veganos, este distintivo cuenta además con una larga tradición en el sector del vino.

El estricto proceso de certificación revela que no se utilizan ingredientes o subproductos animales en el proceso de fabricación, así como también se controla que el sistema de proveedores de la industria no compromete la integridad vegana, requiriendo pruebas fidedignas a los fabricantes de los ingredientes que componen el producto.

Por este motivo, el logotipo “BevVeg!” envía una clara señal a los consumidores de que los productos son seguros para los veganos. La marca BevVeg es muy popular en EEUU y Latinoamérica y está considerado un “must have” si se quiere acceder a estos mercados.

Este distintivo de calidad, llega ahora a España de la mano de CCL CERTIFICACIÓN que ha llegado a un acuerdo con el prestigioso sello “BevVeg”, totalmente integrado en América, para ofrecer en el sector de vino una certificación para los consumidores veganos con las máximas garantías.

Desde esta agencia de española de certificación afirman para Vinetur que “nuestra intención es proporcionar información fiel a los consumidores veganos, dotando a las empresas alimentarias de una herramienta de verificación que soluciona el problema de transparencia en el etiquetado, fuertemente demandada por el veganismo. Como no puede ser de otra manera también los consumidores de vino demandan una certificación de vino vegano.

Se trata, sin duda, por un lado de un nuevo mecanismo que tienen ahora las bodegas para aumentar sus ventas a través de nuevos tipos de clientes, y por otro de una manera segura que tienen los consumidores de comprar auténtico vino vegano.

This article originally appeared on Vinetur. You can read the original article here

Read more
Brewer in brewhouse pouring out the malt to the tank x x

VEGAN GREEN LIVING: Is Vegan Beer Actually A Thing?

Is Vegan Beer Actually A Thing?

Many people enjoy beer, whether it’s during social events, weekend gatherings or even as a nightly enjoyment. What many people do not realize as they take their sips of their favorite beer of choice is that many have used animal products in the process of brewing. While the end result may not appear to have animal products and doesn’t list any on the ingredients, they can be used for several reasons throughout the creation of a beer.

Most vegans are well aware that everything they consume must be researched diligently. That’s because animal products make their way into even the most unsuspecting of places, beer included. So the question becomes, is vegan beer actually a thing? And why use animal products in beer production at all, and are there alternatives? Luckily, the answer is yes, vegan beer does exist and there are many mainstream manufacturers that offer vegan beer. It is absolutely not necessary to use animal products in beer despite a history of some brewers doing so. Fortunately many companies are coming to understand the importance of brewing and crafting beer without the use of animal products.

We’ve created the ultimate information guide to help you understand why beer may not be considered vegan, what ingredients are used and why, as well as a list of some mainstream beers that are vegan. We’ve also included some helpful resources to use while out and about to easily determine whether your beer is cruelty free.

Why wouldn’t beer be vegan?

Unfortunately, as with most food and beverages, it’s wise to be vigilant about what you’re buying and how it’s made. While ingredient lists on crackers are forthcoming with the whey and buttermilk, some products are a lot harder to distinguish as vegan. That’s because they don’t have an ingredient list that includes all the items used to produce a product. Beer brewing, for example, doesn’t always include the usage of animal products. However, many products do use them (even if they say there aren’t traces left in the end product). And there isn’t an easy way to distinguish which are vegan from start to finish and which are not.

Luckily, with the help of a few great online resources as well as companies that have provided information to consumers about what they use, it’s now easier to find out what beers are vegan. The reasons some beers may not be vegan varies, from using cheaper, easier to source animal materials, to just using animal materials because that’s how it used to be done, to some companies genuinely not understanding how or why this would not be desirable and therefore not seeking out animal-free alternatives. Read on to discover exactly what beer makers can use in beer and why they use it.

The Low Down: What Isn’t Vegan and Why it’s Used

Brewer in brewhouse pouring out the malt to the tank x

This list is to the best of our knowledge, pretty thorough in describing the animal products still in use in beer brewing and why they are used. All of these ingredients either are not necessary, as beers do not need to be clear for consumption, or they have non-animal derived counterparts that can be purchased easily, even with just a google search. While companies may have been using these products for a long time, they are not necessary to produce beer, especially with easy access to alternatives.

Isinglass

Made from the swim bladders of fish, typically sturgeon, this product is used for fining. Fining involves a lot of factors. But in this case it essentially boils down to adding the isinglass at the end of fermentation to create a clear beer. Isinglass is typically used with other agents to remove the particles and haze to create a crystal clear beer. The particles and haze aren’t necessary to remove. However due to trends over the years in beer production, clear beer is what most consumers desire as it’s what they’re used to.

Gelatin

Made from boiling animals skin, cartilage, bones, horns, and hooves, this is another product that functions as a fining agent. Gelatin works particularly quickly to help the particulates settle and clear the beer. That’s why brewers who want to expedite the process often like and use this product.

Honey

Made by bees after gathering nectar from flowers and plants, honey is added to beer for a number of reasons. Honey can replace sugar to increase the alcohol content while also helping to ease bitterness or lighten up a beer. If added at the right time, using the right percentages of honey, it also imparts flavor.

Albumen

Made from egg whites, this is used in beers to “improve the foam characteristics in beers.”

Dairy

Made from milk. Beermakers typically use lactose. Lactose doesn’t break down so it adds a sweetness and body to the beer, and is typically found in stouts.

​What Popular/ Mainstream Companies offer Vegan Beer?

The following are some mainstream companies and their vegan offerings. This list is by no means the ultimate list as there are far more options. This is just a select variety of popular beers that most people are familiar with and can find at most distributors and bars. The items on this list are vegan, but only the ones listed. For example, bud light is vegan, but they have some bud light options that aren’t vegan such as the Clemado Chelada. So stick to the original for a vegan option unless you’ve researched it.

px Bud and Budvar

By Dorisall at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

  • Bud Light
  • Budweiser
  • Busch
  • Coors
  • Coors Light
  • Guiness
  • Michelob
  • Michelob Light
  • Natural Light
  • Pabst Blue Ribbon
  • Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

​​How Do I find out if My Favorite Beer is Vegan?

Finding out if beer is vegan is really quite simple thanks to the internet and smartphones. Most beers are available on Barnivore has an extensive list of popular and non-popular beers and companies to help you decipher if your beer is vegan or not. There are also a few apps you can download to your phone to make vegan beer easier to find while out and about.

​For Android phones:

  • VeggieBeers
  • VegeTipple

For Apple/ iPhone:

  • VeggieBeers
  • VeganXpress
  • GoVegan

For Windows phones:

  • DrinkVegan

​​​The Future of Vegan Beer Becoming More Mainstream

px Guinness da Bar x

With veganism becoming more mainstream, companies are slowly becoming aware that there is a need and demand for more sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically produced beverages. Companies in every industry have started producing lines of vegan products as well as switching out current products to vegan formulations. The beer industry is no stranger to an increased demand for vegan-friendly products. One well-known company recently switched over to vegan beer due to customer demand. In a New York Times article written in 2015 they shared:

“The company announced on Monday that starting at the end of 2016, its beer will no longer contain trace amounts of fish bladder, an integral part of its filtration process….[in regards to Isinglass use] “However, because of its use, we could not label Guinness as suitable for vegetarians and have been looking for an alternative solution for some time.””

Consumer Power

It took a while for the company to completely implement and ensure all the stock was finally vegan. Nonetheless, they did it due to customers writing emails, calling, and persisting in requesting a vegan beer. This goes to show it’s important to not only support companies that are producing vegan beer but to write companies that have a non-vegan beer. This is to let them know change is wanted and why it would be profitable for them. When enough people reach out and demand change, companies can consider the impact it would have. And often times, if it means it’ll result in more profit in the end, they will do it.

It takes dedication on our parts to continue to educate companies about why it’s so important to go cruelty-free. Often, when we speak in terms of numbers of people who are vegan, it helps them understand what an impact this could have on their bottom line. Using an approach to truly implore companies to change is crucial.

BevVeg’s Truly Vegan Seal

Vegan Green Living Feature BevVeg x

In the meantime, companies like BevVeg work hard to differentiate truly vegan alcohol and can certify companies as vegan. The best part about BevVeg is that it’s a law firm. This means they are working on bringing more transparency to the beverage industry because they understand the law protects companies from disclosing the use of animal products in their processing. They work hard to ensure the companies they give their seal to are compliant in being truly vegan. BevVeg hope to get their seal more widespread to help spread awareness as well as help fellow vegans easily identify truly vegan products.

BevVeg uses real numbers to help spread awareness of veganism and how it is impacting the world and all its industries. They have a great stats page that has many useful statistics to help educate companies about just how impactful veganism is on the world with information such as how many people identify as vegan, the rise in vegan google searches and even the numbers it’s generating in the food industry.

The beer industry is making progress, but has quite a ways to go until one can easily go out and feel confident knowing any product they buy hasn’t contributed to animal suffering. While we eagerly anticipate that day, we must continue to use our buying power to show companies just how important vegan beer is. Let’s continue to help educate that animals are not for exploitation. Our voices and our dollars will continue to make the greatest impact. That’s why we must remain determined in our cause to end animal suffering. Even if it’s only one beer at a time.

This article originally appeared on Vegan Green Living. You can read the original article here

Is Vegan Beer Actually A Thing?

Many people enjoy beer, whether it’s during social events, weekend gatherings or even as a nightly enjoyment. What many people do not realize as they take their sips of their favorite beer of choice is that many have used animal products in the process of brewing. While the end result may not appear to have animal products and doesn’t list any on the ingredients, they can be used for several reasons throughout the creation of a beer.

Most vegans are well aware that everything they consume must be researched diligently. That’s because animal products make their way into even the most unsuspecting of places, beer included. So the question becomes, is vegan beer actually a thing? And why use animal products in beer production at all, and are there alternatives? Luckily, the answer is yes, vegan beer does exist and there are many mainstream manufacturers that offer vegan beer. It is absolutely not necessary to use animal products in beer despite a history of some brewers doing so. Fortunately many companies are coming to understand the importance of brewing and crafting beer without the use of animal products.

We’ve created the ultimate information guide to help you understand why beer may not be considered vegan, what ingredients are used and why, as well as a list of some mainstream beers that are vegan. We’ve also included some helpful resources to use while out and about to easily determine whether your beer is cruelty free.

Why wouldn’t beer be vegan?

Unfortunately, as with most food and beverages, it’s wise to be vigilant about what you’re buying and how it’s made. While ingredient lists on crackers are forthcoming with the whey and buttermilk, some products are a lot harder to distinguish as vegan. That’s because they don’t have an ingredient list that includes all the items used to produce a product. Beer brewing, for example, doesn’t always include the usage of animal products. However, many products do use them (even if they say there aren’t traces left in the end product). And there isn’t an easy way to distinguish which are vegan from start to finish and which are not.

Luckily, with the help of a few great online resources as well as companies that have provided information to consumers about what they use, it’s now easier to find out what beers are vegan. The reasons some beers may not be vegan varies, from using cheaper, easier to source animal materials, to just using animal materials because that’s how it used to be done, to some companies genuinely not understanding how or why this would not be desirable and therefore not seeking out animal-free alternatives. Read on to discover exactly what beer makers can use in beer and why they use it.

The Low Down: What Isn’t Vegan and Why it’s Used

Brewer in brewhouse pouring out the malt to the tank x

This list is to the best of our knowledge, pretty thorough in describing the animal products still in use in beer brewing and why they are used. All of these ingredients either are not necessary, as beers do not need to be clear for consumption, or they have non-animal derived counterparts that can be purchased easily, even with just a google search. While companies may have been using these products for a long time, they are not necessary to produce beer, especially with easy access to alternatives.

Isinglass

Made from the swim bladders of fish, typically sturgeon, this product is used for fining. Fining involves a lot of factors. But in this case it essentially boils down to adding the isinglass at the end of fermentation to create a clear beer. Isinglass is typically used with other agents to remove the particles and haze to create a crystal clear beer. The particles and haze aren’t necessary to remove. However due to trends over the years in beer production, clear beer is what most consumers desire as it’s what they’re used to.

Gelatin

Made from boiling animals skin, cartilage, bones, horns, and hooves, this is another product that functions as a fining agent. Gelatin works particularly quickly to help the particulates settle and clear the beer. That’s why brewers who want to expedite the process often like and use this product.

Honey

Made by bees after gathering nectar from flowers and plants, honey is added to beer for a number of reasons. Honey can replace sugar to increase the alcohol content while also helping to ease bitterness or lighten up a beer. If added at the right time, using the right percentages of honey, it also imparts flavor.

Albumen

Made from egg whites, this is used in beers to “improve the foam characteristics in beers.”

Dairy

Made from milk. Beermakers typically use lactose. Lactose doesn’t break down so it adds a sweetness and body to the beer, and is typically found in stouts.

​What Popular/ Mainstream Companies offer Vegan Beer?

The following are some mainstream companies and their vegan offerings. This list is by no means the ultimate list as there are far more options. This is just a select variety of popular beers that most people are familiar with and can find at most distributors and bars. The items on this list are vegan, but only the ones listed. For example, bud light is vegan, but they have some bud light options that aren’t vegan such as the Clemado Chelada. So stick to the original for a vegan option unless you’ve researched it.

px Bud and Budvar

By Dorisall at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

  • Bud Light
  • Budweiser
  • Busch
  • Coors
  • Coors Light
  • Guiness
  • Michelob
  • Michelob Light
  • Natural Light
  • Pabst Blue Ribbon
  • Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

​​How Do I find out if My Favorite Beer is Vegan?

Finding out if beer is vegan is really quite simple thanks to the internet and smartphones. Most beers are available on Barnivore has an extensive list of popular and non-popular beers and companies to help you decipher if your beer is vegan or not. There are also a few apps you can download to your phone to make vegan beer easier to find while out and about.

​For Android phones:

  • VeggieBeers
  • VegeTipple

For Apple/ iPhone:

  • VeggieBeers
  • VeganXpress
  • GoVegan

For Windows phones:

  • DrinkVegan

​​​The Future of Vegan Beer Becoming More Mainstream

px Guinness da Bar x

With veganism becoming more mainstream, companies are slowly becoming aware that there is a need and demand for more sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically produced beverages. Companies in every industry have started producing lines of vegan products as well as switching out current products to vegan formulations. The beer industry is no stranger to an increased demand for vegan-friendly products. One well-known company recently switched over to vegan beer due to customer demand. In a New York Times article written in 2015 they shared:

“The company announced on Monday that starting at the end of 2016, its beer will no longer contain trace amounts of fish bladder, an integral part of its filtration process….[in regards to Isinglass use] “However, because of its use, we could not label Guinness as suitable for vegetarians and have been looking for an alternative solution for some time.””

Consumer Power

It took a while for the company to completely implement and ensure all the stock was finally vegan. Nonetheless, they did it due to customers writing emails, calling, and persisting in requesting a vegan beer. This goes to show it’s important to not only support companies that are producing vegan beer but to write companies that have a non-vegan beer. This is to let them know change is wanted and why it would be profitable for them. When enough people reach out and demand change, companies can consider the impact it would have. And often times, if it means it’ll result in more profit in the end, they will do it.

It takes dedication on our parts to continue to educate companies about why it’s so important to go cruelty-free. Often, when we speak in terms of numbers of people who are vegan, it helps them understand what an impact this could have on their bottom line. Using an approach to truly implore companies to change is crucial.

BevVeg’s Truly Vegan Seal

Vegan Green Living Feature BevVeg x

In the meantime, companies like BevVeg work hard to differentiate truly vegan alcohol and can certify companies as vegan. The best part about BevVeg is that it’s a law firm. This means they are working on bringing more transparency to the beverage industry because they understand the law protects companies from disclosing the use of animal products in their processing. They work hard to ensure the companies they give their seal to are compliant in being truly vegan. BevVeg hope to get their seal more widespread to help spread awareness as well as help fellow vegans easily identify truly vegan products.

BevVeg uses real numbers to help spread awareness of veganism and how it is impacting the world and all its industries. They have a great stats page that has many useful statistics to help educate companies about just how impactful veganism is on the world with information such as how many people identify as vegan, the rise in vegan google searches and even the numbers it’s generating in the food industry.

The beer industry is making progress, but has quite a ways to go until one can easily go out and feel confident knowing any product they buy hasn’t contributed to animal suffering. While we eagerly anticipate that day, we must continue to use our buying power to show companies just how important vegan beer is. Let’s continue to help educate that animals are not for exploitation. Our voices and our dollars will continue to make the greatest impact. That’s why we must remain determined in our cause to end animal suffering. Even if it’s only one beer at a time.

This article originally appeared on Vegan Green Living. You can read the original article here

Read more
top

Office Libations: Top 7 Wine Trends In 2019

Top 7 Wine Trends In 2019

topWine has been a cultural phenomenon for thousands of years. But it’s not always vegan.

New year, new you, new trends. This year’s predictions bring to mind some new upward trends while others are still enjoying their red carpet début.

New styles make an appearance and underdog wine varieties finally get some time in the spotlight.

Not to mention once again we see that the digital age has to rear its capricious head and change the path that the industry has been on lately.

Trends come and go, and wine is no exception to this rule. If it’s not expensive Bordeaux wine one year then it’s some hipster, fruity wine another year.

So read on to learn about some wine trends to watch out for in 2019.

Packaging No Longer Matters

Packaging

Or does it?

Move aside bottled wine. Canned and boxed wine is here to stay.

Boxed and canned wine has been on the rise for a while now. What started as a trend has now become a large part of the wine industry.

We’ll put things in perspective for you all: canned wine sales went up a whopping 43% in 2018 since the year before. This is why we’re predicting that those numbers are only going to increase this year in 2019.

Can you guess who the big spenders in this category are? If you guessed Millennials, then you’re definitely on to something.

More to come on Millenial spending habits later on. For now, all you need to know is that we have them as well as Gen X to thank for the rising trend.

And we can’t blame them, there’s plenty to rave about when it comes to non-conventionally packaged wine. After all, there is a reason why they have garnered such a massive following.

For one thing, boxed and canned wine is way easier to transport.

If you’re headed to a barbecue, all you have to do is pull out a wine spritzer and you’re good to go. Long gone are the days of hassling with a bottle opener or cup spillage.

Second, they’re a perfect alternative for those who don’t drink often. When you don’t want to finish an entire bottle but you want a sip of your favorite wine, boxed wine is the perfect solution.

Talk about lasting benefits. This is one bandwagon that we won’t mind hopping onto.

This article originally appeared on Office Libations. You can read the original article here

Top 7 Wine Trends In 2019

topWine has been a cultural phenomenon for thousands of years. But it’s not always vegan.

New year, new you, new trends. This year’s predictions bring to mind some new upward trends while others are still enjoying their red carpet début.

New styles make an appearance and underdog wine varieties finally get some time in the spotlight.

Not to mention once again we see that the digital age has to rear its capricious head and change the path that the industry has been on lately.

Trends come and go, and wine is no exception to this rule. If it’s not expensive Bordeaux wine one year then it’s some hipster, fruity wine another year.

So read on to learn about some wine trends to watch out for in 2019.

Packaging No Longer Matters

Packaging

Or does it?

Move aside bottled wine. Canned and boxed wine is here to stay.

Boxed and canned wine has been on the rise for a while now. What started as a trend has now become a large part of the wine industry.

We’ll put things in perspective for you all: canned wine sales went up a whopping 43% in 2018 since the year before. This is why we’re predicting that those numbers are only going to increase this year in 2019.

Can you guess who the big spenders in this category are? If you guessed Millennials, then you’re definitely on to something.

More to come on Millenial spending habits later on. For now, all you need to know is that we have them as well as Gen X to thank for the rising trend.

And we can’t blame them, there’s plenty to rave about when it comes to non-conventionally packaged wine. After all, there is a reason why they have garnered such a massive following.

For one thing, boxed and canned wine is way easier to transport.

If you’re headed to a barbecue, all you have to do is pull out a wine spritzer and you’re good to go. Long gone are the days of hassling with a bottle opener or cup spillage.

Second, they’re a perfect alternative for those who don’t drink often. When you don’t want to finish an entire bottle but you want a sip of your favorite wine, boxed wine is the perfect solution.

Talk about lasting benefits. This is one bandwagon that we won’t mind hopping onto.

This article originally appeared on Office Libations. You can read the original article here

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