Sparkolloid – Hot Mix Clarifying Agent for Wine, Cider & Mead

Reliable, Gentle Fining for Crystal-Clear Results

Sparkolloid is a popular, easy-to-use fining agent used by winemakers, mead makers, and cidermakers to clarify their beverages quickly and effectively. Sold in convenient 30g and 250g sizes, it works by flocculating (clumping and settling) haze-causing particles, leaving your finished product brilliantly clear.

This hot-mix fining agent is a proprietary blend of polysaccharides and diatomaceous earth. It’s known for being gentle on aroma and flavour, and for working well even when other finings fail. It’s safe for use on all wine styles and is especially helpful in stubborn meads or ciders that refuse to clear on their own.

Ideal Uses:

• Clarifying white, red, or fruit wines before bottling

• Clearing meads that remain hazy after fermentation

• Polishing ciders for a clean, professional finish

Directions for Use:

Sparkolloid must be boiled before use to activate properly.

• Use 1 tsp (approx. 2g) per 4 L (1 US gallon)

• Boil in 10 mL of water per gram of powder for 5–10 minutes, stirring constantly

• Let cool slightly, then add to your finished wine, cider, or mead

• Allow to settle for 1–2 weeks before racking or bottling

Key Benefits:

• Highly effective for stubborn haze and particulate matter

• Safe for wine, cider, and mead

• Will not strip flavour, colour, or aroma

• Works well in combination with kieselsol/chitosan for tough clarification jobs

Is Sparkolloid Vegan?

Yes, Sparkolloid is generally considered vegan.
It is made from a proprietary blend of:

• Polysaccharides (usually plant-based, derived from algae or cellulose)

• Diatomaceous earth (a naturally occurring silica from fossilized algae)

There are no animal-derived ingredients in Sparkolloid, so it’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Does Sparkolloid Contain Shellfish?

No, it does not contain shellfish or any shellfish-derived materials.
That makes it a safe alternative for people with shellfish allergies as well.

Can It Replace Chitosan/Kieselsol for Vegan Use?

Yes – Sparkolloid is one of the best vegan-friendly alternatives to fining agents like chitosan (which is derived from shellfish) and isinglass (from fish bladders). It’s often used by:

• Winemakers avoiding animal-based clarifiers

• Mead and cider makers aiming for a vegetarian- or vegan-friendly product

• Producers selling to customers with shellfish allergies or dietary restrictions

It won’t always be quite as fast or aggressive as the kieselsol/chitosan combination, but it works very well for many batches, especially if you give it enough settling time (1–2 weeks).