Honey, Bees, and Pollination
Contents
Context
The question of whether honey is vegan is frequently brought up by those new to veganism and those considering veganism. According to the most widely accepted definition of veganism, and the definition embraced by JFA, honey is implicitly proscribed. Veganism is "a way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible an practicable, all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose."
Considering the facts presented below, it would be hard to deny that bees are exploited when the honey they have made for themselves is taken from their hives for human consumption. In addition, honey provides no essential nutrients and can be easily avoided, satisfying the "possible and practicable" clause in the definition.
As a historical note of interest,
Advocacy Positions
Less clear and more difficult than the question of whether honey is vegan, is the degree of zeal and insistence we should convey when we, as vegans, respond to inquiries about honey. Discussions about honey should be done with an awareness that insects rank low on society's hierarchy of concern for animals, and that bees are used to pollinate some of the fruits and vegetables that vegans eat.
