Is Refined White Sugar vegan?
Depends
Some US cane sugar is filtered through bone char. Beet sugar and most non-US cane sugar are vegan.
Also known as: cane sugar, bone char sugar
What it is
Sucrose crystallised from sugar cane or sugar beet.
Why depends
Bone-char filtration uses charred cattle bones. EU sugar, beet sugar, and organic cane sugar avoid this process.
Where you'll find it
- Baked goods
- Confectionery
- Soft drinks
Vegan alternatives
- Organic cane sugar
- Beet sugar
- Coconut sugar
- Maple syrup
FAQ
- Is UK sugar vegan?
- Yes — UK sugar (Tate & Lyle, Silver Spoon) is not filtered through bone char.
Sources
Last reviewed June 4, 2026