Is Raisin Bran Vegan?
Not Vegan
Not certifiedBoth major Raisin Bran brands, Kellogg's and Post, contain Vitamin D3 derived from lanolin, a fat extracted from sheep's wool. That alone puts standard Raisin Bran outside what most vegans would accept. Kellogg's version adds another concern with glycerin used to coat the raisins, which is commonly animal-derived. The non-organic cane sugar in both brands is a secondary grey area, since conventional sugar is often filtered through bone char during processing. Raisin Bran Crunch (Kellogg's) goes further and lists honey directly on the label, making that variant clearly not vegan by any standard.
The catch: Vitamin D3 in both Kellogg's and Post versions is cholecalciferol sourced from lanolin (sheep's wool grease), a confirmed animal byproduct.
Category
Cereal
Verdict
Not Vegan
Brand
Kellogg's / Post
Vitamin D3 in fortified cereals is almost universally derived from lanolin, the waxy fat obtained from sheep's wool. Kellogg's has confirmed this source when asked directly.
Post Raisin Bran lists Vitamin D3 on the label as well, with no plant-based D3 (lichen-derived, sometimes marketed as VegD3) used in either brand's standard formulation as of 2025. Kellogg's also coats its raisins in glycerin, which in most commercial cereal applications comes from animal fat rather than plant sources, though the label does not specify origin.
Non-organic sugar is a genuine but lower-tier concern: conventional cane sugar in the US is sometimes decolorized with bone char filters, though many sugar suppliers have shifted to ion-exchange columns; without brand confirmation it cannot be ruled out. Raisin Bran Crunch is unambiguously not vegan because honey is listed as a direct ingredient.
If you are a casual vegan who draws the line at obvious animal products like dairy and eggs, you might overlook D3, but for anyone applying a stricter definition this cereal does not clear the bar.
What makes it non-vegan
- ✕Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, lanolin-derived)
- ✕Glycerin (Kellogg's, animal-derived raisin coating)
- ✕Honey (Raisin Bran Crunch variant only)
Vegan alternatives
- ✓ Cascadian Farm Organic Raisin Bran (no vitamin D3, organic sugar, widely confirmed vegan)
- ✓ Nature's Path Organic Flax Plus Raisin Bran (organic, non-GMO, no D3)
- ✓ Bob's Red Mill Bran Flakes with organic raisins stirred in (build-your-own, full control over ingredients)
- ✓ Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cinnamon Raisin Cereal by Food for Life (certified vegan)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Looking to make your own? Browse our vegan swaps.
Other cereal
Frequently asked
Is Raisin Bran Vegan?
Both major Raisin Bran brands, Kellogg's and Post, contain Vitamin D3 derived from lanolin, a fat extracted from sheep's wool. That alone puts standard Raisin Bran outside what most vegans would accept. Kellogg's version adds another concern with glycerin used to coat the raisins, which is commonly animal-derived. The non-organic cane sugar in both brands is a secondary grey area, since conventional sugar is often filtered through bone char during processing. Raisin Bran Crunch (Kellogg's) goes further and lists honey directly on the label, making that variant clearly not vegan by any standard.
What is the catch with Raisin Bran?
Vitamin D3 in both Kellogg's and Post versions is cholecalciferol sourced from lanolin (sheep's wool grease), a confirmed animal byproduct.
What can I use instead of Raisin Bran?
Vegan options include Cascadian Farm Organic Raisin Bran (no vitamin D3, organic sugar, widely confirmed vegan), Nature's Path Organic Flax Plus Raisin Bran (organic, non-GMO, no D3), Bob's Red Mill Bran Flakes with organic raisins stirred in (build-your-own, full control over ingredients), Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cinnamon Raisin Cereal by Food for Life (certified vegan).
Is Raisin Bran certified vegan?
Raisin Bran does not carry a third-party vegan certification, so the verdict here is based on its current ingredient list and manufacturer information.
Sources
Last verified June 20, 2026. See how we verify. Always confirm on the current product label, since recipes change. Product photo via Open Food Facts.
Comments