Many of us think critically about what forms the meal we consume—yet we hardly ever pause to reflect on the plate we place our meals on. It may be surprising to learn that many widely available crockery products, particularly certain ceramics, Bone China, and glazed tableware, may contain animal-derived materials. For those following vegetarian or vegan diets, this can be unsettling.
Shobhit Singh, MD & CEO, The Stone Sapphire India Pvt Ltd, told indianexpress.com that a lot of crockery and dinnerware is made of bone ash, in an attempt to achieve a particular whiteness, translucency, and finish.
“Bone China is not just a metaphor; it can actually contain finely ground animal bones as a substantial ingredient. While Bone China has traditionally been valued for its strength and elegance, it raises significant ethical concerns for those who wish to avoid animal products in any form,” he said. Beyond ethics, there are also questions about the traceability and cleanliness of raw materials, as not all producers maintain rigorous transparency or quality control.
Ritika Gulliya, Founder of Atman Pottery, said that animal bones (usually cow) are burned at ridiculous heat until they turn into a fine white powder called “bone ash.” “That ash gets mixed with clay and other materials, and the result is a ceramic that’s strong, slightly see-through, and has that soft warm-white glow with a nice ‘clink’ when you tap it,” she said.
In the old-school recipe, bones could make up nearly half the mix. According to her, the idea started in England in the 1700s, because bone ash made porcelain tougher and prettier. These days, some manufacturers swap in synthetic ash (“new bone china”), but plenty still use the real thing.
“If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or follow a faith like Jainism, that might matter to you. Yes, the ash is fully sterilised and doesn’t look like bone anymore, but it still comes from slaughtered animals. For a lot of people, that’s reason enough to skip it,” she added.
Pick glass or porcelain plates (Source: Freepik)
What are your alternatives?
Premium porcelain and glass tableware are two of the most durable forms of glass in the world—ensuring longevity, safety, and sophistication for everyday dining. “These materials are vegetarian-friendly, food-safe, non-porous, and practical, allowing your mindful living to extend to the very surface your food rests on,” said Singh.
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If you’re someone who wants to steer clear of animal-derived products in their crockery, excellent alternatives include:
Porcelain – Same smooth finish, animal-free.
Stoneware – Heavier, more rustic.
Ceramic/Terracotta – Earthy, affordable.
Recycled ceramics/Glass – Eco-friendly, no animals involved.
Bamboo composites – Light, modern, biodegradable.
New bone china – Same look, synthetic ash.
“If you’re shopping, “bone china” will usually be on the label. In hotels or restaurants, you’d have to ask—and let’s be honest, almost no one does. It’s a tradition that’s survived for centuries because it is beautiful. But today, you can get all that beauty without the bones,” mentioned Gulliya.
Dining today is no longer simply about taste—it is a reflection of your values. By choosing vegetarian-friendly crockery, you align your daily habits with your principles. Choosing products that combine ethics, safety, and aesthetics can make for a guilt-free dining experience, inside and out.
