Can I still be considered a vegan if I still eat honey?
Image by Eric in SF
This shows a younger flower, with the stigmas raised above bee height. This is a mechanism that discourages self-pollination.
Passiflora caerulea is a member of a large group of Passiflora with bee pollinators. The fragrance is sweet and the concentric circles of pattern serve to guide the bee into pollinating position.
Photographed at Strybing Arboretum
Question by Autumn: Can I still be considered a vegan if I still eat honey?
Only the honey that is made from my grandparents farm. My grandfather’s passion is raising bees and growing all types of food. I know the bees are nurtured and cared for because I watch him care for them and have personally taken a and in nurturing them myself. They are in bee boxes outside and are free to leave any time. The honey that is made from his bees is always delicious, and If I know it is not cruelly done, why not?
He uses no “smoking” or “smoker” things to calm the bees. He is slow and old so he tries so hard not to hurt them.
What do you think? Answer below!
11 Responses to Can I still be considered a vegan if I still eat honey?
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Im pretty sure you’re fine, bees aren’t considered animals anyways they’re insects.
Derp
November 14, 2011 at 10:50 am
No, a true vegan does not eat honey. If one eats no meat, dairy or eggs, but does eat honey, they are a strict vegetarian, not a vegan. As mentioned in the first post, agave nectar is a delicious substitute. It has a light flowery and buttery taste. But all that really madders is how u see it i know its ok so its ok. good luck
amanda s
November 14, 2011 at 11:11 am
honey isnt an animal or a type of meat, honey is made from bees like how milk is from cows. so yes you are still a vegan
chisana
November 14, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Even if it’s not cruelly done, I think honey would be considered a product of an animal.
NY Yankees - 27x World Champs!
November 14, 2011 at 12:17 pm
No.
Someone
November 14, 2011 at 12:53 pm
this is a big debate in the vegan world. technically, the definition of the word says you can’t but people still do it for simplicity but it can be misleading to people who don’t know anything about the vegan lifestyle. i personally don’t like or eat the stuff but if you’re going to call you’re self a vegan while eating honey and you’re preparing food for other vegans, make sure there is no honey.
clarke
November 14, 2011 at 1:49 pm
I know vegans who have seriously considered eating honey. They decided not to but I think they would have still considered themselves vegans…
meowisthetime
November 14, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Technically, no, you aren’t vegan if you eat your grandparents’ honey. On the other hand, I’m obviously not the final authority on this, but I have no problem with somebody who only eats honey made by one specific beekeeper at home calling themselves vegan for simplicity’s sake when they go out to eat/RSVP to a party/have dinner with a friend. Your host(ess) only needs to know what you can eat when you’re dining with them, not every last detail of your diet.
ETA @Derp: actually, insects are animals. An animal is any organism classified as part of the animal kingdom. That covers things everyone thinks of as animals (mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, etc), along with organisms like sponges, corals and insects.
Rose B
November 14, 2011 at 1:53 pm
I believe those honey belong to the bees and it’s like jacking milk from a cow or calf and so in a way it’s not vegan.
TheHRchannel
November 14, 2011 at 2:32 pm
no you cannot be considered a vegan but seriously i think vegan is taking it too far ive been a vegatarian for 14 years and get all my milk cheeze and honey organic(i dont eat eggs cuz i think there gross)if ur not hurting them,(cruelty free) i dont think it really maters.u only live once have a good time and eat some food u dont feel bad about eating
Esquella
November 14, 2011 at 3:29 pm
I want to say it’s still be vegan, but no. I mean, if you’re gonna eat honey, that’s a great source for it! It’s just that, even if it is this cruelty free, it’s still an animal product. If I were you, I’d say “I’m vegan, with the exception of my grandpa’s cruelty-free honey.”
Chelsea
November 14, 2011 at 3:30 pm