I’m sure you’ve heard the debate about whether or not honey is vegan. Just in case you’re still not sure, let me help you. Honey is NOT vegan—it’s an animal product. All animals, including bees, exist for their own purposes– they are not ours to exploit and manipulate for profit.

Here are the top seven reasons why you should avoid honey:


Honey Bee Macro | Karunakar Rykar | CC by 2.0 

1. Bees are factory-farmed animals, just like chickens, pigs, and cows are.

These insects are mass produced on bee farms, where they’re treated poorly, often injured, and confined to cramped, unnatural environments.

2. Bees are injured in the process of collecting honey.

Bee farmers can be careless when obtaining honey, and the wings and legs of these little creatures are often ripped off in the process. In addition, farmers cut off the queen bee’s wings to make sure that she can’t leave the hive.

3. Bees naturally pollinate flowers.

Bees play an essential role in pollinating plants, which is necessary for plant reproduction.

4. Bees need their honey.

Honey helps bees survive the winter, as it’s made with specific nutrients that are essential for their survival.

5. Honey is sold for profit.

Bees are being exploited so that large organizations can profit from their honey.

6. Bees are hard workers.

A single worker bee may visit up to 10,000 flowers in one day and, in a lifetime, produce only one teaspoonful of honey. All bees have a specific job to do, depending on their age, their sex, and the time of year. We shouldn’t be manipulating this process and confusing them.

7. Stealing is wrong.

Everyone knows this, so why is it OK to steal something from an animal? Bees need their honey for survival, and they work so hard to make it!

How you can help:

It’s easy! Avoid all products that are made with honey. Other sweeteners, like agave and maple syrup, are delicious alternatives that don’t harm bees or any other animal.

Want to learn other ways you can help bees? Check out our guide to humane insect control!