Is honey vegan-friendly? Find out!

If you thought vegetarianism was difficult, you haven’t heard about veganism. Veganism is a lifestyle choice not only eliminates animal meat and products but also abstains its followers from using anything that could be obtained from the exploitation of animals. This includes avoiding meat, eggs, dairy all other products derived from animals. With a lifestyle that preaches to be so strict, there are some controversial food items that many are unsure if they could be included in a vegan diet. Honey is one of them. Honey gets its controversial status because is derived from beehives. Despite this, many think it is perfectly alright to consume honey in a vegan diet, others, not so much.



Why most vegans avoid honey

Unlike animal-based products like meat, eggs, and dairy, foods obtained from insects do not fall into the vegan category. But still, some vegans avoid honey as it is obtained from the exploitation of bees, while other vegans do not mind having it.

Here are some reasons why most people avoid honey

It is believed that many commercial bee farmers to gain maximum profit exploit bee for honey, which is considered unethical by most vegans. They clip the wings of bees to prevent them from flying away and kill entire colonies to prevent the spreading of disease and others.

Vegans believe that bee farming may harm bee health

Bees store honey and consume it in winters to stay healthy and survive during cold weather. Honey is always taken away from them for sale and it is replaced by sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup. However, sucrose or high-fructose do not fulfill their nutritional requirements and is even harmful to their health.

Bee farming may lead to a decline in bee population

Bee populations are declining worldwide and studies reveal that commercial beekeeping practices can be a major reason behind this.