November 1st was World Vegan Day. The Thuringia Consumer Center explains why the word “vegan” on wine and juice seems superfluous, but is not.
Vegan means without animal ingredients. Why do drinks such as wine and juice that are made from fruit sometimes carry the vegan seal? The Thuringia Consumer Center shows what's behind it.
Nothing vegan: Animal aids in wine production
“The fact that wine is declared vegan causes some irritation. After all, it is fermented grape juice and therefore a supposedly herbal product.”
Tina Hanke, food and nutrition consultant at the Thuringia Consumer Center
But it's not that obvious: a whole range of animal aids are allowed in wine production. For example, gelatin, chicken egg white or fish bladders can be used. Above all, these bind unwanted suspended matter and ensure that the wine is not cloudy in the end.
“The same applies to juices. Apple juice in particular is often clarified with gelatin.”
Tina Hanke, food and nutrition consultant at the Thuringia Consumer Center. “
Since such excipients are removed after the manufacturing process and only contain trace amounts in the final product, they usually do not need to be labeled.
“There is scope here for animal products to have been used, but consumers cannot recognize it in the end product.”
Tina Hanke, food and nutrition consultant at the Thuringia Consumer Center “
Instead of animal products, plant-based aids such as pea protein, the clay mineral bentonite or algae products such as agar-agar can achieve the same effects. Mechanical processes are also possible. In terms of taste, it is usually not possible to distinguish how wine, juice, etc. were clarified.
Labeling as “vegan” is not mandatory
So how can we tell whether, for example, our favorite wine did not contain gelatin in the production process? More and more manufacturers are labeling their products, which do not contain any animal ingredients, as vegan. However, they are not obliged to do so. If in doubt, the only solution for products without labeling is to ask the manufacturer. This signals a desire for more transparent labeling.
Source:
Thuringia consumer advice center
Already read? A Mimikama Fact Check: Do Articles of the UN Charter Entitle Russia to Attack Ukraine?
If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:
📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.
Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!
* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

