Is Beer Vegan?
The four main ingredients used to make beer are water, yeast, sugar and a type of grain like barley or wheat. These ingredients are vegan, which means that a lot of beers are suitable for vegans.
Some beers include additional ingredients to add flavor or to change the texture of the beer. For example some beers contain lactose or milk. These beers would not be suitable for vegans.
You would need to check the individual ingredients of flavored beers to check if they contain any animal products.
Another reason why some beers may not be suitable for vegans is the products that are used to clarify the beer.
Before the beer is bottled or kegged, a lot of breweries will use a gelatine or a fish based gelatine product called isinglass to refine the beer.
The final drink will not contain any of the gelatin, but strict vegans may not want to consume the drink because animal products were used during the process.
Which Beers Are Vegan?
If you want to drink strictly vegan beers, there are plenty of options available.
Here are some of the best vegan beers – all beers on this list are certified as vegan by PETA, see here for more information.
Brother David’s Triple – Anderson Valley Brewing Company
This strong pale ale has a light color and a complex, aromatic flavor with spices. The addition of Belgian candi sugar gives it a rich mouthfeel which is very pleasant, and an aroma of candied oranges.
The beer has an ABV of 10%. It has a peppery finish with citrus notes.
Budweiser
Budweiser is a very well known beer, and it happens to be vegan friendly! There are no animal ingredients or additives and no animal products are used in the refinement process.
Budweiser has a rich history and is deeply embedded into American culture.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg Group is a world leading brewery that was established in 1847. Their beer is well known for its citrus flavor and floral hoppy aromas.
The beer is light and the flavor is mild, which makes it suitable for lots of different types of beer drinkers.
Indian Pale Ale – The Brewery At Lake Tahoe Inc
This pale ale is very hoppy with a strong flavor and a light golden flavor. This beer is dry hopped which gives it a floral aroma. It is strong and bitter and is suitable for vegans.
Autumnal Fire – Capital Brewery
This is a seasonal beer that is available from September through to November. It has a fiery red color due to the dark fruits that are used in the beer to give it a distinctive flavor.
It is a smooth beer, with notes of caramel. This beer has an ABV of 7.8% and it is one of the most popular beers from Capital Brewery.
Nut Brown Ale – Capitol City Brewery
This is an English style brown ale that is reddish brown in color. It has quite a full body with a malty flavor, with strong nutty notes. The aroma is quite spicy.
This is a balanced ale, with some bitterness but a sweet brown sugar flavor.
Full Boar Scotch Ale – Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company
This award winning beer is easy to drink and has a rich and complex flavor. It has an ABV of 7.4% and is light on the palette. The main flavors are malt and caramel, with some mild smokiness and hints of chocolate.
This scotch ale is a great option for vegan beer lovers.
Southern Blonde – Diamond Bear Brewing Company
This a weaker beer, with an ABV of 4.4%, which makes it ideal for weeknights or BBQs. It is crisp and refreshing with notes of caramel. The hoppy flavor is very mild and the beer is dry, which makes this beer very versatile.
Hudson Porter – Golden Road Brewery
This American style brandy barrel aged porter has an ABV of 7.1%. It is very dark in color and with flavors of oak, vanilla and dark fruits. This smooth beer also has notes of chocolate and malt with some rye spice. This is a very unique beer and will be a big hit with vegans who like to try unusual beers.
Oatmeal Stout – Goose Island Beer Co
This stout has a sweet aroma of oatmeal and chocolate. It has a heavily roasted flavor but is quite light on the mouth, with earthy hops and a hint of coffee.
The finish is quite dry, with strong barley and a little anise. This beer has an ABV of 5.4% which makes it easier to drink than some other stouts.
Great White – Lost Coast Brewery
Great White is the original beer brewed by Lost Coast Brewery, an award winning brewery in California. It is a Belgian style white ale with a full body and a smooth finish. It is unfiltered, crisp and refreshing.
The color is translucent gold and there are flavor notes of citrus and coriander.
Jamaica Red – Mad River Brewing Company
This red ale has a deep mahogany color that is very appealing. It is full bodied with rich caramel and a nice amount of sweetness.
This is balanced by aromatic hops and some intense spice to create a bold and unique beer that is easy to drink. It has an ABV of 6.5%.
Trippel – New Belgium Brewing Company
This Belgian style ale is sweet and dry. It has a bold, hoppy flavor and fruity aromas. There are sweet citrus notes and a warm finish. This smooth yet complex beer was a gold medal winner at the 2021 American Beer Festival and has an ABV of 6.5%.
Penn Pilsner – Pennsylvania Brewing Company
Pennsylvania Brewing Company is the oldest brewery in Pittsburgh and the Penn Pilsner is their flagship beer. It is a Vienna style lager with an ABV of 5%. It has a lovely amber color and a malty aroma.
It has hints of toasted nuts along with stronger flavors of caramel and toffee. This beer is very balanced and well rounded which makes it very popular.
Summary
Not all beers are vegan, but we have included recommendations for some fantastic vegan beers.
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