In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, host Sean A. Russell breaks down why many wines, beers, and spirits are not considered Vegan. Sean explains how animal-derived fining agents like gelatin, isinglass, casein, egg whites, and chitin are used during production, even though the ingredients appear plant-based. Listeners will learn how to read labels, what terms to look for, and which mainstream brands offer reliable Vegan-friendly options. Sean also shares helpful tools like Barnivore and Abillion that make choosing cruelty-free drinks simple. This episode offers a calm and accessible guide for Vegans and Pre-vegans who want to enjoy their favorite drinks with confidence.
Opening
- Why many people do not realize alcohol can be non Vegan
- Overview of how fining works in the production process
Segment 1: Why Some Alcohol Is Not Vegan
- Role of fining in clarity
- Common animal-derived agents
- Why do these not appear on labels
Segment 2: Categories To Watch
- Wines that use egg whites, casein, or isinglass
- Beers, ciders, and certain spirits with hidden ingredients
- Honey-flavored liqueurs and dairy-based drinks
Segment 3: Popular Vegan-Friendly Brands
- Frey Vineyards
- Our Daily Bread and Our Daily Red
- Bonterra
- Select bottles from Ménage à Trois and Yellow Tail
Segment 4: How To Read Labels
- “Unfined” and “unfiltered” indicators
- What terms to avoid
- Why organic does not always mean Vegan
Segment 5: Tools To Make It Easy
- Barnivore.com
- Abillion App
- Upcoming Vegans Explore beverage guide
About the Show
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.
Join the Conversation
Have a question or want to leave feedback? Leave us a voicemail. We’d love to hear from you!
Subscribe & Review
Love the show? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review! New episodes drop daily.
