Understanding halal, ingredient by ingredient
Simple guidelines to decipher a label. Scholars' opinions may differ on some points: if in doubt, refer to your certification body.
What is halal?
In Arabic, halal (حلال) means "lawful" or "permitted". In food, a halal product respects the dietary rules of Islam. Conversely, haram (حرام) refers to what is forbidden.
The fundamental rules
- Permitted animals: cattle, sheep, goats, poultry (except birds of prey), fish and seafood (depending on the school).
- Slaughter: performed by a Muslim, saying Bismillah, cutting the jugular in a single stroke.
- Blood: forbidden for consumption.
- Alcohol: forbidden, even in small quantities.
- Pork and its derivatives: totally forbidden (gelatine, lard, pork fat…).
Hidden alcohol
Alcohol can be found in sauces, vinegars, flavourings or confectionery. Even if it "evaporates" during cooking, the product is still considered haram according to the majority of scholars.
Clearly haram ingredients
- Pork, lard, bacon, ham, pork fat
- Alcohol, wine, beer, rum, whisky
- E120: cochineal (insect dye)
- Pork gelatine (often written simply "gelatine")
- Uncertified animal rennet
Ingredients to check
- Gelatine: specify halal beef or fish
- E471: mono- and diglycerides, plant or animal?
- E441: pure gelatine
- Natural flavourings: may contain meat extracts
- Glycerine / glycerol: source to be checked
- Beeswax (E901): permitted according to most scholars
Generally halal ingredients
- Citric acid (E330)
- Curcumin (E100)
- Ascorbic acid (E300)
- Beta-carotene (E160a)
- Soy lecithin (E322)
Quiz