How many vegetarians really care about residual isinglass or gelatin in beer and wine?

Question

I'm trying to determine if this is a serious issue, or just a media hyped non-issue. One can imagine someone making beers and wines vegetarian (or organic) in order to capture a niche market.

I've read that Irish Moss or Scotch Moss can be used instead of Isinglass or Gelatine. Is this what is used in Vegan wine?

Answer 1

neither products are really nessacary in production of beer or wine, they just aid the clearing process. They are what is called secondary, they are used to clear (usually beer) after fermenatation has taken place.

If irish moss (a type of seaweed) is used when the beer is boiled, and proper mashing techniques and a good strain of yeast is used, the beer should clear very well on its own.

But... if you are a vegetarian for ethical reasons then you have every reason to care if gelatin or isinglass (from the swim bladder of fish) is used in the production of your wine or beer.

Answer 2

Vegetarian wine is freely available now so there must be a good call for it. It just depends how serious they are. Vegans in particular are going to insist on it.

Answer 3

For the person practising vegetarianism for dietary reasons (non-allergic reasons), consumption of remnant gelatin is probably of little effect.

For the person practising vegetarianism for religious reasons, consumption of any animal product, if known, is to be avoided.

Answer 4

It sucks, but as I'm a vegetarian for health rather than moral reasons, I'll deal with it.

Answer 5

How many care about residual beetles in mushrooms?

Answer 6

vegetarians are just lazy people that wont excercise.