Sugar
Sugar, a staple ingredient in many kitchens, is another product that can be surprisingly non-vegan. While the source of sugar, either sugarcane or sugar beets, is plant-based, the refining process often involves using bone char. Bone char, made from animal bones, is used to bleach and filter cane sugar, giving it a white, pure appearance. This process does not apply to beet sugar, which is naturally white and does not require the same level of processing.
Fortunately, there are plenty of vegan-friendly sugar options available. Organic sugar, for instance, is never processed with bone char, making it a safe choice for vegans. Additionally, many sugar brands have started to label their products as vegan, indicating that they do not use bone char in their refining process. Another safe option is unrefined sugar, such as raw cane sugar or coconut sugar, which retain their natural color and are not processed with bone char.
