Friday, May 16, 2025

Is Oyster Sauce Considered Vegan?

From peta.org/living

Since oysters don’t have a central nervous system, does that mean that oyster sauce can be considered vegan? PETA dives into the oyster debate and breaks down why eating oysters isn’t vegan.

Are Oysters Vegan?

Every animal is someone. Oysters may look different from mammals or birds, but they’re still living beings. Oysters protect their soft bodies by snapping their shells tightly closed at the first hint of danger. They have a nervous system, respond to their environments, and play a vital role in ocean ecosystems by filtering water and creating habitats for other sea life.

oysters in ocean

Although we don’t know for sure whether or not oysters can feel pain, there’s no reason to potentially cause them harm. It’s selfish to eat shellfish and any other animal exploited for food.

What Is Vegan Oyster Sauce Made Of?

Instead of using once-living oyster bodies to make sauce, vegan oyster sauce is often made from oyster and shiitake mushrooms. Mushrooms have a delicious umami flavour, which makes them the perfect base for a vegan oyster sauce.

Vegan oyster sauce is perfect for stir-fries, curries, and can add depth to soups and sauces. Try it in a vegan “beef” and broccoli stir-fryudon noodle soup, or add it to anything that could use some salty tang.

A stir fry meal

                                                                                                                                                   © iStock.com/VeselovaElena

Five Vegan Oyster Sauce Options to Try

  1. Wan Ja Shan Vegetarian Mushroom Oyster Sauce is rich, savoury, and made with fermented soy and mushroom extract.
  2. Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir-Fry Sauce is made with shiitake mushroom extract.
  3. Roland’s Vegan Oyster Sauce’s deep, earthy flavour is powered by shiitake powder.
  4. Healthy Boy Vegetarian Mushroom Sauce is a Thai-style sauce made with soy sauce and mushroom extract, which gives it a strong umami flavour.
  5. Ocean’s Halo No Fish Sauce is soy-free and kelp-based. Its briny, ocean-forward flavour adds depth to any dish.

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