The Vegan Society Vegan Trademark

The Vegan Trademark, established by The Vegan Society in 1990, is one of the most trusted vegan certifications globally. Represented by a distinctive sunflower logo, this certification assures consumers that the products they’re holding contain no animal ingredients, byproducts, or testing. With over 70,000 certified products across 68 countries, the Vegan Trademark helps consumers make ethical purchasing decisions with confidence.

The Vegan Society, founded in 1944 and credited with coining the term “vegan,” has built a long-standing legacy in vegan advocacy and standards development. From food and beverages to cosmetics and clothing, their certification ensures products meet robust vegan guidelines while also supporting a more sustainable future.

Learn more about their mission at vegansociety.com.

A Brief History

The Vegan Society was born in Birmingham, UK, where a small group of vegetarians first coined the term “vegan” to describe a lifestyle free from all animal products. This legacy laid the groundwork for the Vegan Trademark, which debuted in 1990.

What started as a small initiative has since flourished into an internationally recognized standard, reflecting decades of commitment to compassion, sustainability, and informed consumer choices. Today, the Vegan Trademark helps millions of shoppers worldwide identify truly vegan products, with a focus on accuracy, transparency, and ethical alignment.

Vegan Trademark Standards

What Does the Vegan Trademark Guarantee?

The Vegan Trademark certification holds products to clear, consistent, and globally recognized standards. To earn the Vegan Trademark, a product must meet these requirements:

No Animal Ingredients

Products must contain no animal ingredients or derivatives. This includes obvious items like meat, milk, and honey, as well as hidden ingredients such as gelatin, carmine (a coloring made from crushed insects), and shellac (an insect secretion used for coatings).
No Animal Testing

Neither the product nor its ingredients may have been tested on animals at any point. This applies throughout every stage of product development, manufacturing, and final formulation.
No Animal-Derived Processing

Processing aids, carriers, and even incidental additives must be free from animal-derived substances such as bone char (used in sugar refining) or isinglass (a fish byproduct used in some alcoholic beverages).
No Animal-Based GMOs

Genetically modified organisms that involve animal genes or substances are strictly prohibited.
Shared Facility Precautions

Products produced in shared facilities that also manufacture non-vegan products are eligible, provided proper cleaning measures are documented and contamination risks are minimized.

How Is the Certification Verified?

The Vegan Society uses a comprehensive, paper-based audit system to ensure compliance. This includes documentation from manufacturers, detailed ingredient disclosures, and supplier verification. While their process primarily relies on records rather than on-site inspections, spotlight attention is placed on transparency and supply chain visibility.

Who Can Apply?

The Vegan Trademark is available to companies and brands worldwide, with products certified across categories such as food, cosmetics, household cleaning products, clothing, and more. Brands ranging from global giants to family-run businesses use this certification to highlight their commitment to vegan values.

Why Choose the Vegan Trademark?

When it comes to spotting vegan products, things can get confusing. Ingredient lists often contain obscure terms like “natural flavors” or “emulsifiers” that could have either plant or animal origins. That’s where the Vegan Trademark steps in, cutting through the noise to save you time and uncertainty.

Here’s why the Vegan Trademark is trusted by millions of shoppers globally:

1. Global Recognition

The Vegan Trademark is recognized in over 68 countries, making it a reliable standard no matter where you shop.

2. Stringent Ingredient Control

Every ingredient undergoes intense scrutiny to ensure it’s free from animal derivatives—a level of transparency that exceeds many “vegan-friendly” claims.

3. Trusted Heritage

With over 80 years of vegan advocacy and 30+ years of certification experience, The Vegan Society has built a reputation for ethical integrity and industry-leading expertise.

4. Broad Applicability

No matter your shopping needs, the Vegan Trademark has you covered. Products span food, beauty, fashion, and even household items, providing assurance across all aspects of your lifestyle.

5. Confidence in Cruelty-Free Claims

Unlike many uncertified brands, Vegan Trademark-certified products undergo rigorous documentation to verify that no animals were harmed in their creation or testing.

Fun Facts About The Vegan Society

Pioneers of Plant-Based Living: The Vegan Society coined the word “vegan” in 1944, creating a new category for cruelty-free lifestyles that continues to grow in popularity.
Big Milestone: The Vegan Trademark hit 70,000 certified products in 2024, further solidifying its role as the world’s leading vegan certification.
Sustainability Alignment: Certified vegan products often align with environmental goals by reducing dependency on resource-intensive animal agriculture.

How to Spot Vegan Trademark-Certified Products

Recognizing the Logo

The Vegan Trademark features a distinctive sunflower design surrounded by the words “Vegan” and “The Vegan Society.” Its simple, bold aesthetic makes it easy to identify on product labels.

Verification Tools

Online Directory

Use the searchable database at vegansociety.com to explore certified options. Products are catalogued across categories like food, fashion, and cosmetics.
Manufacturer Transparency

Trusted brands will proudly display the Vegan Trademark logo alongside their ethical commitments.
Shop Globally

With presence in 68+ countries, certified products are available across major retailers and online marketplaces worldwide.

Reporting Misuse

If you encounter a product misusing the Vegan Trademark logo, report it to The Vegan Society for an immediate review.

Common Questions About Vegan Trademark Certification

"Can products from shared facilities be certified?"

Yes! The Vegan Trademark allows certification for products produced in facilities that also handle non-vegan items, provided cleaning protocols and cross-contamination measures meet high standards.

"Is the Trademark only for food?"

Not at all. The Vegan Society certifies a wide range of categories, including beauty, fashion, and even musical instruments made without animal products.

"How does it differ from ‘vegan-friendly’ labels?"

“Vegan-friendly” is often a self-appointed label with no standardized verification. The Vegan Trademark involves a detailed application process, ensuring that each product meets strict vegan standards.

"Does the certification imply organic or gluten-free compliance?"

No, Vegan Trademark certification is purely focused on verifying vegan criteria, and it doesn’t guarantee other attributes like organic or allergen-free status.

Your PantryPal Takeaway

At PantryPal, we believe food—and shopping for it—should be joyful and hassle-free. The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark does exactly that, helping shoppers quickly identify products that align with their values.

With its sunflower symbol shining a light on ethical choices, you can trust this certification to guide you through a world of verified vegan options, no guesswork required. Whether you’re browsing for snacks, skincare, or sustainable fashion, the Vegan Trademark ensures that every choice you make stays true to your compassionate lifestyle—and makes your pantry just a little brighter.

Take a deep breath, enjoy the discovery, and lean on us—your friendly PantryPal!

About This Certification