Syrup is a thick, viscous liquid that is commonly used as a condiment or sweetener. Many people assume that all syrups must be vegan, since they are made from plants. However, some syrups contain non-vegan ingredients or are processed using animal products, which would make them unsuitable for a vegan diet. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why some syrups are not vegan.
Common Sources of Syrup
Syrup is made by extracting and concentrating the sap or juice of plants. Some of the most common sources of syrup include:
- Maple syrup – Made from the sap of maple trees
- Corn syrup – Made from corn starch
- Rice syrup – Made from fermented rice
- Cane syrup – Made from cane sugar
- Agave syrup – Made from agave plant juice
- Fruit syrups – Made from fruit juices
- Molasses – A byproduct of sugar refining
- Honey – Made by bees from flower nectar
The source and manufacturing process of the syrup determines whether it is vegan friendly or not.
Reasons Why Syrup May Not Be Vegan
Here are some of the main reasons why some syrups are not considered vegan:
Honey
Honey is not vegan because it is made by bees. Vegans avoid the use and consumption of animals and animal-derived products. While honey bees are not harmed in the honey collection process when done ethically, exploiting their labor is still objected to by ethical vegans.
Bone Char Filtration
Some syrups, like cane syrup, brown rice syrup, and some maple syrups, are processed using bone char. Bone char is made from animal bones that have been charred at extremely high temperatures. It is used as a filter to remove impurities and bleach the syrup to an appealing clear color. However, this makes the syrup unacceptable for vegans.
Dairy Ingredients
Some syrup recipes, especially pre-packaged retail syrups, contain milk or cream as added ingredients. For example, chocolate syrup often contains milk or cream for flavor and texture. Any syrup containing dairy-derived lactose is not vegan.
Eggs or Egg Byproducts
Eggs may be used in some flavored syrup recipes, such as egg nog or custard flavored syrups. Additionally, some syrups contain chemical emulsifiers derived from eggs. For example, mono- and diglycerides found in some syrup ingredients may come from egg sources.
Gelatin
Gelatin, which is made from the bones and connective tissue of cows and pigs, may be used as a thickening or stabilizing agent in some syrups, especially pre-made syrup products. Vegans avoid gelatin because it is entirely animal-derived.
Natural Flavors
The term “natural flavors” on an ingredient label often indicates that there are animal-derived ingredients used for flavoring. These animal-based additives can include anything from meat, fish, egg, or dairy products. When in doubt, vegans should avoid syrups listing “natural flavors.”
Confectioner’s Glaze
Confectioner’s glaze, also called resinous glaze, is often made from the secretions of lac bugs. It leaves an appealing shiny coating on candies and sweets. Some syrups contain confectioner’s glaze, which is not vegan.
Types of Syrup That Are Vegan
While some syrups are not vegan, there are many syrup options that are completely plant-based:
Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup only uses maple sap and water for processing. With no animal products used, real maple syrup is generally vegan friendly. However, check the label to make sure no animal-derived ingredients have been added.
Molasses
Molasses is a byproduct of processing sugarcane into table sugar. Because it comes straight from the sugarcane plant with minimal processing, unsulfured molasses is reliably vegan.
Fruit Syrups
Syrups made directly from fruit juices, like peach, raspberry, or blueberry syrup, are vegan if they do not contain any additional animal ingredients. However, some fruit syrups may use gelatin or other additives that are not vegan.
Agave Nectar
Agave syrup (also called agave nectar) comes from the agave plant. With no additives, it is vegan friendly.
Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup is made by breaking down brown rice starch into sugars. As long as no bone char was used in processing, brown rice syrup is a vegan option.
Tapioca Syrup
Syrup created from tapioca starch is vegan, as no animal products are used in its production.
Identifying Vegan Syrups
When selecting a syrup, check the ingredients label and nutritional information to determine if it is vegan friendly. Here are some tips:
- Scan for any milk-based or egg-based ingredients
- Avoid bone char filtered syrups like cane syrup, maple syrup, etc
- Check for honey, gelatin, confectioner’s glaze, or chemical emulsifiers
- Look for vegan seals of approval or “100% plant-based” claims
- Call or email the manufacturer if you are uncertain
- Purchase organic or “cruelty-free” syrup options when possible
Reading labels thoroughly and reaching out to companies directly can help ensure you find a vegan syrup option.
Vegan Replacements for Non-Vegan Syrups
Here are some suggested swaps if your favorite syrup contains animal products:
Instead of Honey:
- Maple syrup
- Agave nectar
- Molasses
- Brown rice syrup
Instead of Dairy Milk or Cream:
- Coconut milk
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Cashew cream
- Vegan butter
Instead of Eggs:
- Ground flax seeds
- Mashed banana
- Applesauce
- Aquafaba (chickpea brine)
- Commercial egg replacer powder
With some substitutions, you can modify almost any syrup recipe to be vegan friendly.
Are Some Syrups “More Vegan” Than Others?
While syrup itself comes from plants, some types or brands could be considered “more vegan” if they:
- Are certified organic – Organic certification has stricter standards and regulations for processing with fewer chemical additives.
- Come from fair trade sources – Fair trade supports better working conditions and wages for farmers and laborers.
- Are less processed – Minimally processed syrups have fewer chances of containing non-vegan additives.
- Have sustainable packaging – Syrups in glass, metal, or reusable containers create less waste compared to single-use plastics.
- Are locally sourced – Supporting local producers helps reduce environmental impact from transportation.
An organic, fairly traded, minimally processed, and sustainably packaged syrup could align more closely with vegan ethics. However, vegans may differ on whether these factors make a syrup “more vegan.” Ultimately, avoiding animal-derived ingredients is the primary criteria.
Nutrition Concerns for Vegans Regarding Syrup
While syrup can be part of a vegan diet, there are some nutritional considerations:
Added Sugars
Syrup is high in simple sugars with little to no protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Consuming syrup in excess can displace healthier foods in a vegan diet.
Blood Sugar Spikes
The concentrated sugars in syrup cause quick spikes in blood glucose. This can be concerning for vegans with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Tooth Decay
With low pH and high sugar content, syrup can harm tooth enamel over time when consumed frequently. Dental health is important for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Relying on syrup as a sweetener may make it hard to meet micronutrient needs on a vegan diet. Vegans should prioritize nutrient-dense whole foods.
Weight Gain
Syrup is very high in calories with little satiety. Overuse may lead to unwanted weight gain. Moderation is key.
Lack of Beneficial Compounds
Unlike fruits and some sweeteners like maple syrup or blackstrap molasses, heavily processed syrups contain no beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, or phytochemicals.
Overall, syrup should be used sparingly as part of a healthy vegan diet while focusing on meeting all nutritional needs from wholesome plant foods first.
Healthier Vegan Alternatives to Syrup
Here are some healthier options vegans can use instead of syrup:
Fruit Purees
Fruit purees like applesauce, mashed banana, or prune puree can provide natural sweetness for baking.
Vegetable Purees
Carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin, and squash purees add nutrients, fiber, and sweetness to recipes.
Ripe Fruits
Chopped dates, figs, raisins, mashed ripe banana, or prune juice offer concentrated sweetness.
Nut Butters
A small amount of peanut, almond, or cashew butter can enhance sweetness in smoothies, oats, or sauces.
Extracts
Vanilla, almond, coconut, orange, lemon, or mint extract infuse desserts with natural flavor.
Spices
Warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom subtly sweeten dishes.
Herbal Teas
Chicory root, licorice root, and rooibos naturally impart sweetness when brewed.
Focusing on whole foods sources of sweetness often provides more nutritional benefits in a vegan diet.
Vegan-Friendly Syrup Brands
Here are some recommended vegan syrup brands to try:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Earth Balance Maple Dressing | Organic maple syrup infused salad dressing |
| Coombs Family Farms | Certified organic maple syrup and maple products |
| Wholesome Sweeteners | Organic fair trade sweeteners like agave, coconut sugar, maple syrup, etc |
| Brianna’s Homestyle | Dairy-free chocolate and fruit syrups |
| Now Real Food | Organic maple syrup, agave, brown rice syrup |
| Simply Organic | USDA organic syrups, extracts, and condiments |
Choosing organic, sustainable brands helps align with vegan principles. Check company websites for information on ingredients sourcing and processing methods.
Homemade Vegan Syrup Recipes
Making your own syrups at home ensures control over the ingredients. Here are some easy vegan syrup recipes to try:
Basic Fruit Syrup
Simmer 2 cups chopped fruit like berries, peaches, cherries, etc with 1 cup water or juice for 10 minutes. Strain out solids and add sweetener like sugar to taste.
Vanilla Bean Syrup
Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup organic cane sugar, and 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise for 8 minutes. Let cool before using.
Peppermint Syrup
Steep 1 cup lightly crushed peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 4 hours. Strain and stir in 1 cup organic sugar until dissolved.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Whisk 1 cup pumpkin puree with 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp cloves, and a pinch of nutmeg over low heat 5 minutes.
Caramel Sauce
Simmer 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk, 2 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt for 5-10 minutes.
The possibilities are endless for plant-based syrups made at home. Get creative with fruits, herbs, spices, natural sweeteners, and extracts that suit your tastes!
Conclusion
While syrup seems like it should be vegan, some contain hidden animal-derived ingredients or use animal products like bone char in processing. Reading labels carefully and contacting manufacturers directly can help identify the vegan status of store-bought syrups. For a cruelty-free option, vegans can easily make their own fruit, spice, and herb infused syrups at home using all plant-based whole food ingredients. Though syrup may not be the healthiest choice, there are certainly vegan alternatives to non-vegan commercial syrups when used sparingly.
