It's one of the most debated questions in plant-based eating: is honey vegan? Honey comes from bees, not from plants, but it's also not meat, dairy, or eggs. The answer depends partly on how you define veganism. Here's a fair look at both sides.
What veganism means
The Vegan Society, which coined the term "vegan" in 1944, defines veganism as a way of living that 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.
Since bees are animals, and honey is produced by bees, most vegan organizations, including the Vegan Society, consider honey not vegan.
Why many vegans avoid honey
Here are the main arguments:
- Bees are animals. Under a strict definition, any animal product is excluded.
- Honey is bees' food. Bees make honey to feed their colony, especially during winter. Harvesting it takes something the bees produced for themselves.
- Commercial beekeeping practices. Critics point to practices in some large operations, such as replacing harvested honey with sugar syrup, clipping queens' wings, or shipping colonies long distances for pollination services.
- Harm to individual bees. Some bees can be injured or killed during hive inspections and honey harvesting.
Why some people who eat plant-based include honey
Others take a different view. Some people who eat mostly plant-based diets, sometimes called "beegans," include honey for reasons like:
- Supporting beekeepers and pollinators. Responsible beekeeping can help maintain healthy honeybee populations, which support crop pollination.
- Sustainable harvesting. Many beekeepers only harvest surplus honey and leave enough for the colony to thrive.
- Insect sentience questions. Some argue that insects experience the world differently from mammals, though research into insect sentience is ongoing and evolving.
- Comparison with crops. Some point out that many plant foods also rely on managed honeybee pollination.
It's a personal choice
There's no single right answer for everyone. If you follow a strict vegan diet based on the Vegan Society's definition, you'll likely avoid honey. If you eat plant-based for health or environmental reasons, you may decide differently. What matters is making an informed choice that aligns with your values.
Plant-based alternatives to honey
If you avoid honey, there are plenty of alternatives:
- Maple syrup: Rich and caramel-like
- Agave nectar: Mild and neutral
- Date syrup: Deep, fruity sweetness
- Brown rice syrup: Mild and thick
- Plant-based "honey" products: Often made from apples, flowers, or sugars to mimic honey's flavor and texture
What about other bee products?
The same debate applies to other hive products, including beeswax, bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly. Strict vegans generally avoid all of them. Beeswax, for example, shows up in candles, cosmetics, lip balms, and food coatings, so it's worth checking labels if you avoid animal products. Plant-based waxes such as candelilla, carnauba, and soy wax are common substitutes.
Choosing honey responsibly
If you do eat honey, you can support better practices by:
- Buying from local beekeepers you can talk to
- Choosing brands that are transparent about sourcing
- Looking for certified organic honey
- Supporting pollinator-friendly initiatives
Our perspective
At HYVE, we believe honey should come from people who care deeply about bees. Every packet helps support pollinators. HYVE Focus & Memory Functional Honey blends 100% raw, USDA Organic honey with 222mg of organic lion's mane extract (20:1, 100% fruiting body), 80mg of L-theanine, organic raw cacao, organic bee pollen, and organic vanilla. Because it contains honey and bee pollen, HYVE is not a vegan product.
Get 20% off your first order with code WELCOME20.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
