Is Honey, Sriracha Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the ingredients list for Honey, Sriracha, the primary concern for vegans is the explicit inclusion of honey. Honey is a secretion produced by bees, making it an animal byproduct. Consequently, strict vegans avoid honey due to the exploitation of bees in the honey production process. While the rest of the ingredients—such as brown sugar, sea salt, spices, and citric acid—are plant-derived, the presence of honey is the deciding factor.

Additionally, the ingredient list mentions natural flavor (including extractives of honey). This reinforces the honey content and ensures that the flavor profile is deeply integrated with the non-vegan ingredient. It is also worth noting that while the miso powder (made from soybeans, salt) and garlic are vegan-friendly, the specific formulation of this sauce is designed to balance heat and sweetness using animal-derived products.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Honey, Sriracha is relatively low in calories per serving, making it a popular choice for adding flavor without a significant caloric load. However, it is high in sodium due to the sea salt and soy sauce components. The brown sugar and honey contribute to the total carbohydrate and sugar content. While it fits within the limits of a standard diet regarding calories, the sugar and sodium levels should be monitored by those on restricted diets.