Is Crown Royal Vegan and Cruelty Free?

April 26, 2023

Figuring out whether Crown Royal is vegan can be challenging.

Distilled spirits are often fined with isinglass, which is derived from fish bladder membranes, casein (a milk protein), albumin (egg whites), gelatin (animal protein), or chitin (derived from shrimp and other shellfish). However, some companies have started using plant-based fining agents.

To ensure that you’re only eating food and drinking alcoholic beverages that align with your vegan diet and lifestyle, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production processes of Crown Royal.

Here’s what I found out.

Is Crown Royal Vegan?

No. Crown Royal is not vegan.

Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky made with rye, corn, and barley. These three grains are mashed and then distilled. After the distillation process, the whisky is aged in oak barrels for years.

Crown Royal Whisky, according to their response to Barnivore’s query, can’t claim to be vegan. They also stated that none of their products are “certified” vegan by any outside organization and that they have no interest in seeking that certification.

This statement likely means that Crown Royal uses animal-based fining agents during their production process.

So, if you’re a vegan and you want to avoid all animal products, Crown Royal is not an alcoholic beverage for you. There are plenty of other vegan-friendly options on the market that are just as delicious.

Is Crown Royal Cruelty Free?

Yes! Crown Royal is cruelty free.

Crown Royal is likely not tested on animals. Alcoholic beverages don’t really need to be, since they don’t use any synthetic ingredients or fragrances that would require safety testing.

Animal testing is a gruesome and outdated practice that should be stopped. Animals should not be used in laboratories for the benefit of humans. There are many alternative methods of testing that don’t involve harming animals.

What Is Crown Royal Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of the Crown Royal Deluxe:

  • Rye
  • Corn
  • Barley
  • Water

Let’s break down each ingredient of Crown Royal Deluxe:

Rye

Rye is a type of cereal grain. It is mostly grown in Europe and North America. Rye is used to make bread, beer, and whisky. Rye is a vegan ingredient.

Corn

Corn is a type of cereal grain that is native to the Americas. It is also known as maize. Corn is used to make tortillas, chips, popcorn, and whisky. Corn is a vegan ingredient.

Malted barley

Malted barley is a type of cereal grain. It is germinated and then dried in a process called malting. Malted barley is used in single-malt whisky and beer. Malted barley is a vegan ingredient.

Water

Water is a vegan ingredient that helps to dilute the alcohol in Crown Royal. It is vegan.

Why Isn’t Crown Royal Vegan?

Crown Royal products are not vegan because they are likely fined with animal products, such as isinglass, casein, albumin, gelatin, or chitin. These are all animal-based fining agents used in the production of alcoholic beverages. Crown Royal does not confirm or deny that they use these fining agents, but they do say that they have no interest in seeking a vegan certification for their products.

If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly whisky, there are plenty of other options on the market that don’t use animal-based fining agents.

Is Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye Vegan?

No. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye whisky likely uses non-vegan fining agents.

This whisky is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Crown Royal Regal Apple Vegan?

No. Crown Royal Regal Apple likely uses non-vegan fining agents.

This whisky is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Crown Royal Black Vegan?

No. Crown Royal Black Whisky likely uses non-vegan fining agents.

This whisky is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Crown Royal XO whisky Vegan?

No. Crown Royal XO Whisky likely uses non-vegan fining agents.

This whisky is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Crown Royal Salted Caramel Vegan?

No. Salted Caramel Whisky likely uses non-vegan fining agents.

This whisky is not safe for vegan consumption.

What About Other Hard Liquors?

With the obvious exception of products that mention honey and cream-based liqueurs, nearly all distilled spirits are vegan friendly. According to the Vegan Society, this includes vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and whisky (except for Crown Royal). Most hard liquors are made from grains, fruits, or vegetables, and do not use any animal by-products in their production.

Vegan Alternatives to Crown Royal Whisky

If you’re looking for a delicious vegan-friendly whisky, there are plenty of options on the market. Here are some of my favorite vegan whiskies:

These vegan alcohol brands can be enjoyed without any guilt. They all use vegan-friendly fining agents and are just as delicious as Crown Royal. I especially liked 2 Gingers Irish whisky and Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve Whisky.

Final Words

So, there you have it! Crown Royal whisky is not vegan. It is not suitable for vegans because it may have been filtered with animal-derived products. However, there are many vegan-friendly whisky brands that you can try. So, go out and enjoy a delicious vegan whisky today! Drink responsibly!