Pea Protein (Wine Fining) — Hidden Processing Agent — Is It Vegan?
Also known as: Pea protein isolate fining, Vegecoll, Vegan wine fining agent
Vegan
No animals or animal-derived substances are involved in producing this agent.
Not required on labels
Not required on wine labels in most jurisdictions. 'Vegan-friendly' or 'vegan' wine labels indicate the absence of animal fining agents.
Source
Isolated from yellow split peas (Pisum sativum). Entirely plant-derived and vegan.
Used In
Wine fining and clarification as a vegan alternative to casein (milk protein), egg albumin, and gelatin. Used to reduce tannin astringency and improve wine texture.
How to Avoid
No need to avoid — pea protein fining is vegan and is the preferred alternative to animal-derived fining agents.
Editorial Notes
Pea protein fining agents (commercially sold as Vegecoll and similar products) have been adopted by many vegan-friendly wineries as a direct replacement for casein and egg albumin. They perform well for softening tannins and reducing astringency. The Barnivore database and DrinkAware label vegan wines based on producers' use of plant-based fining agents.