Gelatine in Sweets: Halal or Not?

As we look into the ingredients of irresistible gummy sweets, we may find gelatine on the list of ingredients. However, does that automatically make it non-halal for us to consume? or is there further deliberation for us to assess and consider?

By Abdullahi Yusuf

What is Gelatine/Gelatin?

First, let’s understand what gelatine/gelatin is. Gelatine/gelatin is a commonly used ingredient in food products, such as gummy candies, marshmallows, desserts and even capsules in products like supplements. It is used as a gelling, emulsifying and/or stabilising agent to provide good texture in the final product.

Typically, gelatine/gelatin is extracted from the collagen of the bones and skin of animals through various processes like grinding, hydrolysis, extraction etc.

Here’s an example:

How to Determine if The Gelatine/Gelatin is Halal

So… if it’s derived from animals, how do we determine the halal status of the gelatine/gelatin and, eventually… the yummy gummy bears?!

Although gelatine/gelatin is commonly obtained from pigs (pork gelatine), which is non-halal, it can also be obtained from other animals, such as cows (bovine gelatine) and fish (fish gelatine). Gelatine/gelatin is considered halal if obtained from halal sources, e.g. animals that are slaughtered according to Islamic law or… yes! fish.

Don’t be alarmed when you see the word gelatine/gelatin on the packaging.

Let us make it simpler for you:

Check, Ask and Decide

There you go! Now YOU can decide whether to bring that packet of delicious-looking candy to the cashier or just wave goodbye as it sits beautifully on the shelf. Remember: #CheckAskDecide

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