Vegan Certification Labels: What They Mean
Vegan certification labels can help shoppers identify products that have been assessed against a certifier’s published rules. However, not every vegan logo follows the same standard. A vegan label also does not automatically mean that a product is nutritionally healthy, organic, allergen-free, or suitable for everyone.
The Vegan Society Vegan Trademark
The Vegan Society introduced its Vegan Trademark in 1990. According to the organisation, more than 70,000 products worldwide now carry the mark. The scheme covers products in categories such as food, drink, cosmetics, clothing, and household goods.
Under the scheme’s published standards, registered products must not contain animal ingredients. The standards also address animal testing connected with the product and its ingredients. Manufacturers submit product information for review; the right to display the trademark applies to registered products rather than automatically to every product made by the same company.
Official sources: What is the Vegan Trademark?, Vegan Trademark Standards, and Vegan Trademark statistics.
In cosmetics, “vegan” and “cruelty-free” answer two different questions. Our guide How to Read a Vegan Cosmetics Label explains how to check ingredients and animal-testing claims separately.
A note on Vegan Label certificates
VeganLabel.org describes its Vegan Certificate as a product or service assessment based on its NSO-NAP 7 vegan standard. This is the certifier’s own description of its programme. Before relying on any certificate, check the issuing organisation, the exact product covered, the certificate number or public record, and whether the certificate is still valid.
Programme source: VeganLabel.org certificate description.
Is “Certified Plant Based” the same as vegan certification?
“Certified Plant Based” is the name of a specific certification programme run by the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), with products independently verified by NSF. Under the programme’s current eligibility rules, products containing any amount of animal-derived ingredients are not eligible to use the seal.
However, a general “plant-based” statement on packaging does not by itself mean that the product has been certified under this programme. Check the organisation behind the mark, the scope of the scheme, and its published criteria rather than treating the wording alone as a certificate.
Official sources: PBFA Certified Plant Based programme and NSF plant-based certification.
What should you check when you see a vegan logo?
- Who issued it? Look for the certifier’s name and published criteria.
- What is covered? Certification may apply to one product, not the whole brand.
- Can it be verified? Check for a certificate number, registry entry, or confirmation from the certifier.
- What does it not promise? Vegan status does not by itself establish nutritional quality or allergen safety.
- Does the ingredient label still matter? Yes. Read the current packaging, especially if you have an allergy or another medical dietary restriction.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have an allergy or a medical dietary restriction, assess the product label and consult a healthcare professional when appropriate.
Editor: Anıl Güler, Pharmacist
Last reviewed: 26 August 2026
