Sugar seems simple. It comes from plants, so it must be Vegan… right? In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, we explore why sugar has become one of the most debated ingredients in Vegan living and what that debate reveals about values, intention, and harm reduction.
We break down how bone char is used in some sugar refining, why this matters to certain Vegans, and why others focus on broader impacts like avoiding meat, dairy, eggs, and animal testing first. From there, the conversation expands into other gray areas, including wine and beer filtration, figs, palm oil, candy ingredients, and processed foods.
This episode is not about purity tests or telling anyone they are doing Veganism wrong. It is about understanding food systems, acknowledging nuance, and creating space for honest, compassionate conversations. Veganism is not a rulebook. It is a values-driven journey, and those values can look different for each person.
Whether you are new to Veganism, a longtime Vegan, or simply curious, this episode invites reflection and respect for the many paths people take toward a more compassionate way of life.
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The Vegans Explore Podcast is on a mission to record a new episode every day until November 1, 2026, spotlighting Vegan topics, changemakers, nonprofits, and brands from around the world. Explore additional episodes.
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