Are You Looking for halal marshmallows? Typically, marshmallows are produced from pork or beef gelatin. The spongy candy is only allowed and suitable for Muslims if it is made using halal ingredients, such as (1) beef gelatin derived from Halal-slaughtered cattle, (2) fish gelatin, or (3) plant-based gelatin (carrageenan, agar-agar).
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If there’s one thing you can’t have over a bonfire or on a cold winter night, it has to be marshmallows. The sweet delicacy may be eaten directly from the packet or on top of a cup of hot chocolate. It’s no surprise that both youngsters and adults enjoy this squishy, fun-to-eat sweet.
Unfortunately, marshmallow is one of the foods that should be avoided if Muslims are concerned about its appropriateness.
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What Determines Whether a Marshmallow Is Halal or Not?
The essential ingredients in marshmallows are sugar, water, and gelatin. The ingredients are combined and beaten until they create a firm but light and airy texture.
Gelatin, among other things, is the crucial element that decides whether marshmallows are halal or haram.
Gelatin is frequently made from collagen tissues extracted from different animal parts, especially pig skins and cowhides/bones (Learn more about halal collagen supplements).
Is halal marshmallows Really Good?
Animal by-products are an important element in the food business. It’s frequently used as a gelling agent and thickening in a broad range of items, including confectionary, jellies, ice cream, yogurt, biscuits, and cakes.
Is it permissible to use gelatin in foods according to Islamic law?
Pork gelatin is generally considered haram by Muslim scholars.
Some may deem it legitimate because it has undergone a metamorphosis (istihalah). It is unclear, however, whether the change is complete or partial. As a result, the vast majority of Islamic scholars consider such a drug to be haram. (source)
The following is the decision on gelatin:
“Extracting gelatin from the meat, bones, and skin of pigs other acceptable animals that have not been slaughtered in the proper manner is not permitted.”
(Photo courtesy of Daarul Ifta Birmingham)
In brief, the following gelatins are not permitted to be used:
Gelatin made from pork
Beef gelatin derived from illegally murdered animals
Beef gelatin derived from a cow whose slaughter manner is unclear (doubtful source)
You may rest confident that there are at least two suppliers of halal gelatin on the market. They are derived from the following:
halal slaughtered cattle
Gelatin obtained from authorized animals slain in accordance with Islamic principles is unquestionably permitted for usage. As previously stated, the verdict is unequivocal.
fish
This variety is less common, yet it has become a viable halal option for Muslim consumers. (source)
Manufacturers can utilize veggie replacements such as carrageenan and agar-agar when halal gelatin is unavailable. This is referred to as’vegan’ gelatin. Both are derived from seaweed and are appropriate for both vegan and Muslim users.
Learn more about whether or not a vegan or vegetarian diet is always halal.
Although carrageenan does not have the same qualities as animal-based gelatin, more producers are employing it in confectionary, especially marshmallows. (source)
“Seaweed extract is legal and halal to ingest because it is plant-based and there is no grounds for its ban.”
Mufti Faisal bin Abdul Hameed al-Mahmudi, Daruul Ifta wal Irshad (Fatwa.ca)
How to Locate Halal Marshmallows
Most popular marshmallow products in the United States and Western nations include pig gelatin, making this dessert unacceptable for Muslims. Jet-puffed Kraft, Campfire, and Kroger are a few examples.
Even if the label reads ‘gelatin,’ it’s unclear if it’s pork or beef, or if the animal was slaughtered correctly.
Unfortunately, owing to the lack of a consistent standard for kosher gelatin in North America, kosher products are not always an acceptable option for halal marshmallows. Specific kosher certifications, such as Ko Kosher, permit the use of pig-derived gelatin. (source)
We offer a few simple ways for you and your family to discover halal and legal marshmallows.
Look for Halal-labeled items or go to a recognized Halal retailer.
Picking up a kosher product should be avoided since it is not always devoid of pork. Find a vegan one as an alternative.
Brands of Halal Marshmallows
Here are several halal and vegan marshmallows that are widely available on the market. Amazon links are provided below.
Marshmallows
- Ziyad (Halal certified, beef gelatin)
- Naughty (vegan, gelatin-free)
- Trader Joe’s (vegan, gelatin-free)
Conclusion
Many common marshmallow brands are very certainly haram unless otherwise designated ‘halal.’ They often comprise pig or beef gelatin sourced from questionable sources (unknown slaughtering method).
The greatest choice for finding an acceptable product is one with a Halal label. Alternatively, select a vegan product that is devoid of animal byproducts. Finally, before making a purchase, always read the label and ingredients list thoroughly.
