Not Vegan (Animal-Derived)Category: animal-byproduct, additive, sweetenerReviewed: Aug 24, 2026

Bone Char

Bone char is a porous, black, granular material produced by charring cattle bones at high temperatures (over 700°C / 1292°F). It is commercially used as a decolourising filter in traditional cane sugar refining and is strictly not vegan.

Vegan Status Breakdown

Bone char is a porous, black, granular material produced by charring cattle bones at high temperatures (over 700°C / 1292°F). It is commercially used as a decolourising filter in traditional cane sugar refining and is strictly not vegan.

Biological Origin & Animal Source:

Cattle (bovine) bones from slaughterhouses

Common Synonyms, E-Numbers & Trade Names:

natural carbonanimal bone charcoalcalcined cattle bonesbone black

Hidden & Derivative Names to Watch Out For:

natural carbonbone blackanimal char

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Common Uses & Applications

•Decolourising and filtering cane sugar into bright white table sugar
•Heavy metal water filtration
•Black pigments (artist paints)

Nutrition Facts (per 100g)

Standard reference data via USDA FoodData Central

Analyze in Nutrition Calculator →

0

Calories (kcal)

0g

Protein

0g

Carbohydrates

0g

Total Fat

0.9g

Dietary Fiber

Calcium: 32000 mg

Plant-Based Substitutes

Culinary swaps with exact ratios and chef instructions

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Agave Syrup

sweetener, glazing
Ratio: 1 tbsp agave syrup per 1 tbsp honey (1:1 direct swap by volume)

Dissolves instantly in cold liquids unlike cold honey.

Full Swap Guide →🍳 Cook Recipe

Pure Maple Syrup

sweetener, moisture, glazing
Ratio: 3/4 cup maple syrup per 1 cup honey (Reduce other liquids in baking by 2 tablespoons)

In baking, maple syrup caramelizes slightly faster than honey, so watch oven temperatures.

Full Swap Guide →🍳 Cook Recipe

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Apple Cider Vinegar

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Aquafaba

✓ Vegan

Scientific & Regulatory Authority Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bone char and why is it used?
Bone char is made from incinerated cattle bones and is used as an industrial filter by some cane sugar refineries to bleach raw cane sugar into bright white granules.
How can I avoid sugar processed with bone char?
Choose USDA Certified Organic sugar, beet sugar (which is never filtered through bone char), unrefined cane sugar, coconut sugar, or look for 'Bone Char-Free' certified labels.