What is important for a Muslim to know when buying food?
If you are trying to stick to a halal diet, the words “no pork” or “beef” are not enough. It’s important to look deeper: into the composition and additives.
⚠️ What additives can be haram
- E441 — Gelatin
Almost always of animal origin, most often from pork. - E471, E472 — Emulsifiers
May be derived from animal fat — if it is not indicated that they are vegetable, it is better to clarify. - E422 — Glycerin
Can be both vegetable and animal. If from pork fat — haram. - E120 — Carmine 🐞
A dye obtained from insects. Not always haram, but may be undesirable. - E904 — Shellac
Food glaze, also produced from insects. - Flavorings with ethanol 🍰
Alcohol, even in small amounts, makes the product haram. Often found in desserts, icing, baked goods.
🍖 Caution with meat products
Sausages, dumplings, canned goods, semi-finished products — even if the packaging says “beef” or “chicken”, it is important how exactly the animal was slaughtered. If not halal — the product is haram.
✅ How to check products
- Look for a halal certificate from reliable organizations
- Check E-additives through authoritative lists
- Use apps that help to quickly understand the composition
For example:
- Scan Halal
- Muslim Pro (food section)
- Or our favorite 😉 — ohmygoods.app/en
We know how to show questionable additives and talk about them in simple language accessible to everyone
💡 Useful advice
If there is doubt about the composition — it is better to refuse than to risk. After all, halal — is not only about meat, but also about caring for purity and intention.