Certified Halal (45)

Meaning “lawful” or “permitted” in Arabic, halal is a dietary standard described in the Qur’an (the Muslim scripture). To be considered a halal ingredient, it must be free from any components that Muslims are prohibited from consuming in accordance with Shariah, or Islamic law. Similar to kosher ingredients, this also extends to the processing, manufacturing, and storing practices as well. The Qur’an teaches that animals should be cared for throughout their life, and the goal of halal-style butchery is to slaughter an animal with respect and in ways that minimize pain. Broadly, foods that are considered haram, or “forbidden” include pork or pork by-products, animals that were not slaughtered properly, birds of prey, and land animals without external ears.

What Is Certified Halal?

A Certified Halal product means it’s permissible in accordance with Islamic law. While many items can be considered halal, the certification mainly focuses on meats, milk, canned food, and some additives. According to the American Halal Foundation, brands interested in certification must go through a three-step process involving an application, audit, and finally, approval to use the halal mark on qualifying products.

Benefits of Certified Halal Products

If you’re keeping a strict halal lifestyle, seeking out Certified Halal products will ensure your food choices align with your values. Certified Halal products never include:

• Alcoholic drinks and intoxicants
• Non-halal Animal Fat
• Enzymes (except for microbial enzymes)
• Gelatine (from a non-halal source)
• L-cysteine (if from human hair)
• Lard
• Lipase (from animals)
• Non-Halal Animal Shortening
• Pork, Bacon, or anything from pigs
• Unspecified Meat Broth
• Rennet (all forms except plant-based)
• Stock (a blend of mix species broth or meat stock)
• Tallow (non-Halal species)
• Carnivorous animals, birds of prey and certain other animals

Tips for Shopping Certified Halal

To find Certified Halal products, there are a few places you can look. If your city doesn’t have a Middle Eastern grocer, check the international aisle at large supermarkets. Thrive Market also makes it easy to filter Certified Halal products so you can shop online and fill your cart without leaving home. Products will be marked with a halal symbol, or simply the letter M (similar to how the letter K is used to identify kosher items).

Top Certified Halal Brands

It’s easy to shop Certified Halal products on ThriveMarket.com—check out some of our member favorites.

Divine Chocolate

Divine Chocolate works with a network of more than 85,000 farmers in Ghana to streamline production, provide fair wages, and develop exceptional chocolate to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Dark Chocolate Bar

Crunchy hazelnuts take Divine’s dark chocolate to the next level. This bar uses cocoa sourced from fair trade family farms in Ghana and is free from artificial flavors, palm oil, and soy.

Saffron Road

Since 2010, Saffron Road has been offering Halal Certified, antibiotic-free, and humanely raised frozen entrees and has now branched out into healthy snacks and simmer sauces the whole family will love.

Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce

Enjoy authentic flavor with Saffron Road’s simmer sauce that makes weeknight meals a breeze. Tandoori spices like ginger and turmeric will wake up your favorite meats and veggies—and have dinner ready in minutes.

Learn More About Food Certifications

Certifications set brands apart and help you make the best food choices for you and your family.

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