If you are reading this, then you may have heard that gummies are not halal. We know gummies are a fun, sweet treat, however, to get the unique gummy texture, many gummy products contain pork-based gelatin, which is not compliant with Islamic law. 

Fortunately, not all gummies contain pork-based gelatin. In fact, gummies today can be made entirely from plant-based ingredients, meaning it can be eaten knowing it is compliant with Islamic law. When looking at the ingredients of gummy product keep an eye out for ‘Pectin’, “Agar Agar’, these are plant-based alternatives to pork derived gelatin. 

Still, just because the product is made with plant-based ingredients, doesn’t mean it is fully compliant with Islamic law. The facility where the gummy is made may make products using pork, which means pork remnants may make its way into the gummy. The only surefire way to know the snack is compliant with Islamic law, is to check for Halal certification on the packaging.

Also, keep in mind that halal isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s also about the merciful treatment of animals used for food. If animals are cruelly treated, their ingredients are no longer halal even if the animals are permissible to consume according to Islam. 

In this post, we will share a quick and easy way to know if your gummy is safe to eat.

Step 1: Check for Halal Certification

A halal certification is a label that indicates a food product is compliant with Islamic dietary laws. It means that the whole process from sourcing to packaging has been reviewed and approved by a board of professionals with national or international recognition. Certified gummies go through a thorough inspection to ensure all ingredients, flavorings, colorings, and processing methods are halal. 

Accordingly, one of the easiest ways to ensure that gummies are halal is by checking for that halal certification. 

Most foods that are halal, proudly include on their product packaging a halal certification. 

So, finding that label means that the gummies were reviewed and approved by the Islamic dietary laws. 

Some of the most common Halal certification boards are:

• Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)
• Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
• Islamic Services of America (ISA)

Step 2: Is Pork Used as an Ingredient?

Yes, more often than not, pork is used as an ingredient for making gummies, especially if you’re living in a non-muslim majority country. 

This is largely because pork-based gelatin is a cheap ingredient, it consistently provides the chewy texture people have come to expect, and the first gummies were made using pork-gelatin, so many consumers have grown use to it.

The good news is that even if you don’t find the halal logo on the packaging, you can still read the ingredients. If the product specifies “porcine” gelatin, pork is used. 

You should look for alternatives that use gelatin from halal-certified sources, such as cows or fish, or opt for plant-based gummies. 

Plant-Based Gummies

Plant-based gummies aren't just an ideal solution for those who seek a halal diet, they’re also a great option for those who want to avoid animal products altogether.

These gummies often use plant-derived ingredients like agar-agar, pectin, or starch to achieve the same chewy texture as traditional gelatin-based gummies.

Because no animal-derived products are used, plant-based gummies are inherently halal. They’re also suitable for vegetarians and vegans, making them a versatile choice for people with different dietary needs. 

To identify plant-based gummies, look for “gelatin-free” labels or vegan/vegetarian certifications. If you can’t find those, check the ingredient lists. You should find alternatives to animal-derived gelatin that include: 

• Agar-Agar: A seaweed-derived substance that acts as a gelatin substitute.
• Pectin: A natural fiber found in fruits, commonly used in plant-based gummies.
• Carrageenan: Another seaweed extract often used to achieve a gummy texture.
• Starch: Some plant-based gummies use cornstarch or tapioca starch to provide structure.

Still, just because they have ‘vegan’ in the label does not mean it is halal. Occasionally, the facility where the product is made, may also make gelatin gummies, and share the same manufacturing equipment. On some occasions, if the equipment is not cleaned properly vegan products can be contaminated with pork gelatin. 

So, if this is a concern for you, you should defer to the halal certification. If a product has a halal certification, it means the process has been reviewed by experts who deem the manufacturing facility compliant with Islamic law.

Step 3: Kosher Gummies Can Be Permissible as Halal

Kosher gummies are gummy candies that adhere to Jewish dietary laws and are known as kashrut. These laws dictate which foods are permissible and how they must be prepared and processed.

To be considered kosher, gummies must meet specific criteria regarding the ingredients used and the production methods.

Kosher-certified gummies can sometimes be acceptable for those following a halal diet. While kosher and halal certifications have different criteria, there is overlap when it comes to prohibiting pork.

Kosher gelatin is often sourced from animals that are slaughtered in a manner similar to halal methods, particularly when the gelatin comes from beef or fish.

However, it’s always important to verify the source of the gelatin and ensure it meets halal standards.

Bonus: Be Careful With Alcohol-Infused Gummies

Some gourmet or novelty gummies may contain alcohol, particularly those infused with wine or other spirits. In Islam, alcohol is considered haram, so it’s crucial to avoid gummies that contain any form of alcohol, even in small amounts.

Always check the packaging for any mention of alcohol, as this would render the gummies non-halal even if they don’t contain any pork-based materials. 

Gelatin-Less Gummies Are Safe

If you want to be entirely sure that your gummies are halal, opt for gelatin-less varieties. Many gummy manufacturers now offer gelatin-free options that are made with plant-based alternatives.

These gummies still have a soft and chewy texture but without any animal-derived gelatin, making them safe for people who follow a halal diet.

People Also Ask

Are Haribo gummy bears halal?

Yes and no. Haribo gummies made in Turkey are made with halal ingredients. However, if they are made at their other manufacturing facilities outside of Turkey, their ingredients are not halal. So it is important to check the country where the gummies were made.