Is olive oil vegan?

Is olive oil vegan?

The assumption that olive oil is essentially vegan is widespread and seems logical at first glance. After all, it is obtained from olives, a fruit that comes directly from olive trees – a purely plant-based source.

But anyone who follows a consistent vegan diet and values ​​the fact that no animals are involved or harmed in the production process should take a closer look. The reality of olive oil production contains some potential pitfalls that may prevent the final product from being classified as 100% vegan. Olive oil is therefore not a vegan product per se, as many other plant-based foods are by nature. There are plausible reasons why an olive oil may not meet the strict criteria of a vegan lifestyle.

The core of the vegan philosophy lies in avoiding any exploitation of and harm to animals. Considering this principle in the context of olive oil production, the harvesting method initially comes into focus. Particularly in the production of cheaper oils, a mechanical harvesting method was and still is used, in which so-called vacuum robots suck the olives from the trees at night. This efficient but ruthless method has led to significant animal suffering in the past. Countless birds seeking shelter and rest in the dense canopy of olive trees at night have been caught and killed by the powerful vacuum machines. In light of this ethically highly questionable practice, some countries have responded. In Portugal and Spain, for example, nighttime olive harvesting with such machines has been banned since 2020. Similar bans already exist in many other growing regions around the world.

The origin of the olive oil therefore plays a crucial role in determining whether the olives are vegan. Consumers who value cruelty-free production should therefore pay attention to precise information about origin when purchasing and ideally prefer products from regions where mechanical harvesting at night is prohibited or not practiced at all.

Another aspect that can compromise the vegan nature of olive oil concerns the processing of the oil after harvest. In the production of cheaper olive oils, animal substances are often used to clarify the oil. This process serves to remove turbidity and suspended matter from the oil and give it a clear, appealing appearance. Traditionally, gelatin (from animal collagen), isinglass (from the swim bladder of fish), egg white, or casein (a protein from milk) were used for this purpose. Although these additives are generally no longer detectable in the finished olive oil, they come into direct contact with the product during the production process and thus violate the principles of a strictly vegan lifestyle.

Furthermore, the agricultural practices in the olive groves themselves can also influence the vegan nature of the final product. The use of animal fertilizers is widespread in conventional agriculture. Manure, horn shavings, or other animal excrement and remains are used as natural fertilizers to provide the soil with nutrients and promote the growth of olive trees. The use of such fertilizers can also potentially lead to components of animal origin being absorbed by the soil and thus indirectly by the olive trees. For very devout vegans, this also represents a breach of vegan principles.

An important tip for consumers who want to ensure their olive oil is as vegan as possible is to buy extra virgin olive oil. This quality level means that the oil must be extracted exclusively through mechanical processes. Unlike refined oils, chemical processes or the use of solvents are prohibited. Filtration of virgin olive oil is usually done through natural filters such as cellulose or diatomaceous earth, similar to the process used in coffee brewing. The likelihood that animal products are used in this gentle process is extremely low. With virgin olive oil, the extraction process is purely mechanical, which means the oil itself can be considered vegan.

However, the designation “extra virgin olive oil” alone does not guarantee that the harvesting and fertilization of the olive trees were carried out according to purely vegan criteria. To ensure absolute certainty, further information and, if necessary, special certifications are required.

For consumers who want to be absolutely sureand prefer a purely vegan olive oil that has also been harvested with consideration for bird protection, there are special symbols and seals that can serve as important identifying features when purchasing.

A particularly meaningful seal is the “biocyclic vegan cultivation” label. This certificate eliminates all of the problems mentioned above. It not only guarantees that no animals were harmed during the harvest (usually through traditional hand-picking), but also that no animal fertilizers or other animal products were used during the entire cultivation process. The guidelines for this seal are very strict and include the protection of biodiversity and the avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

The “FAO GIAHS” (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) seal of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) can be another guide. Although this seal is not explicitly vegan, it recognizes agricultural systems that are of outstanding global value, maintain traditional farming methods, and are often in harmony with nature. Since only very few regions worldwide are awarded this seal, consumers can generally rely on the approval procedures to stipulate strict ecological and social criteria that also consider wildlife protection and sustainable farming methods. The likelihood that olive oils bearing this seal were produced under cruelty-free conditions is therefore high.

It is important to understand that the production of purely vegan and ethically sourced olive oil, which guarantees both the avoidance of animal suffering during harvesting and the absence of animal products throughout the entire cultivation and processing process, involves a certain amount of effort. Traditional hand-harvesting is more time-consuming and costly than mechanical harvesting. Compliance with the strict guidelines for organic and vegan labels also requires additional controls and documentation. For this reason, the special quality and ethical production of purely vegan and correspondingly certified olive oils is usually reflected in the price. They tend to be more expensive than conventionally or non-vegan olive oils.

In summary, the question “Is olive oil vegan?” cannot be answered with a blanket “yes.” While extra virgin olive oil obtained purely mechanically can generally be considered vegan, consumers who demand the highest standards for cruelty-free production should pay attention to the origin of the oil, the harvesting method, and possible clarification processes. Special seals such as “biocyclic vegan cultivation” offer reliable guidance and guarantee a product that meets the highest ecological and ethical standards. Those willing to invest a little more can thus enjoy an olive oil that is not only healthy and tasty, but also in line with the principles of a consistently vegan lifestyle.