Everything you need to know about vegan beer: What it is and which ones to choose

The different brewing styles, flavours and tastes of beer, and their surprising pairings are often the topic of conversation among beer lovers. But beyond the sensory aspects of beer, there is another one that increasingly piques our interest: what is vegan beer?

Although we could initially think that all beer is suitable for vegans, the truth of the matter is rather more complex. Most traditional beers are brewed using ingredients such as water, wheat or barley malt, corn, rice, oats, hops and yeast, all of which are suitable for vegan diets. However, some processes can involve products of animal origin that do not remain in the end product, such as isinglass to clarify the beer, historically used in the British brewing industry to achieve a crystal-clear beverage.

Although those ingredients do not remain in the beer, their use in the brewing process means that the beer cannot be considered truly vegan. Therefore, many brewers have changed those animal-based clarifying agents for vegetable alternatives, such as Irish Moss, an algae that performs the same function. Brands such as Guinness have publicly reported this transition, although many other vegan beers do not specifically state that their products are suitable for vegans. 

What actually is vegan beer?

Vegan beer is beer which, in addition to not containing ingredients of animal origin, does not use any animal products at any stage of production. This includes clarifying agents and other possible additives, thereby ensuring that the entire process is respectful of vegan principles.

Although rather surprising, it is fairly uncommon to find beer that is not suitable for vegans in Spain. If you are looking for vegan beer, brands such as Mahou, San Miguel, Damm, Estrella Galicia, Alhambra, Ambar and Cruzcampo, already brew them. Even craft beers usually meet vegan criteria, although specifically labelling them as such is not common practice. 

The best vegan beer brands

So, which beers are actually vegan? There are several options that you can find in the supermarket:

• Mahou and San Miguel: both classics in the Spanish market, and all their beers are vegan. 
• Damm and Estrella Galicia: are the perfect choice for people looking for a more malty or hoppy beer.
• Alhambra Roja and Voll Damm: are ideal to pair with vegetable dishes and seasonal recipes. 
• Cruzcampo and Ambar: are both light, versatile beers, perfect for daily drinking.

As for craft beers, most of them are vegan, with occasional exceptions such as honey beers (made from honey) or others such as Oyster Stout which include molluscs in the brewing process.

Benefits of choosing vegan beer

Choosing vegan beer is not only respectful of plant-based diets, but it is also beneficial in other ways:

• Transparency in production: many vegan brands are very careful with the ingredients they use and their brewing processes.
• Compatible with vegetable diets: they pair easily with vegan dishes, from tapas to full meals.
• Sustainable awareness: choosing vegan products usually involves less environmental impact compared to products that include animal-based ingredients.

How to identify vegan beer by the label

Even though many beers are vegan, they do not always specifically state such. To avoid any doubt, you can look for:

• The European V-Label; stating that the product is suitable for vegans.
• Brand statements: some brewers state which beers are vegan on their websites or on social media.
• List of ingredients and clarifying agents: avoid beers that include honey, milk or other animal origin products.

With these simple steps, choosing a vegan beer is easier than it seems, and you will be able to enjoy a drink while remaining true to your principles.

In short, most beers in Spain today are vegan, with a few rare exceptions. Whether it is to serve with vegetable dishes, pair with seasonal recipes or simply to enjoy a different beer, there are many delicious, affordable vegan beers for all tastes. Which one would you like to try today?