Is Haribo Halal or Haram?

For any snack lovers, the question ‘is Haribo halal?’ is a pressing one. Afterall, it is one of the most popular candy brands in the world! Curious about whether you can consume Haribo candies as a Muslim? Make sure to read the blog till the end to get a fitting answer to your question.

Haribo is a German confectionery company, founded in 1920 by Hans Riegel Sr. and his brother Paul. The brand produces a wide range of products, including gummy bears, which are its most popular product. The company’s first product was the “Dancing Bear”, a gummy bear on a small stick. The company expanded its product line in the 1920s with the addition of gummy frogs, gummy dogs, and gummy cats. But what goes into this snack? Read below to find out!

What is Halal?

Halal is an Arabic word that literally means permitted or lawful. In reference to food, halal describes anything that is allowed to be eaten according to Islamic law.

Halal foods are those that are free from any forbidden ingredients, including pork and pork byproducts, alcohol and other intoxicating beverages, and certain blood products. Certain meats, such as beef, lamb, and poultry, must come from animals that have been slaughtered according to Islamic law.

There are a number of factors to consider when looking for halal foods. One of the most important is to make sure that the food has been certified as halal by a reliable authority. There are also a number of halal certification agencies, so it is important to do your research before choosing one.

What is Haribo?

Haribo is a type of candy that is popular in many countries. It is made from sugar, corn syrup, starch, flavoring, and food coloring. The ingredients are boiled together and then poured into molds to be cooled and set.

The most popular flavor of Haribo is the original gummy bear. Other flavors include strawberry, raspberry, cola, and orange. Haribo also makes sour candy, which is popular with children.

The candy is often sold in small bags or boxes. It is also available in larger packages that can be shared with others. Haribo candy is a popular treat for special occasions or just as a snack.

Is Haribo Halal?

haribo gummy candy

One of the main ingredients in Haribo is gelatin, which, depending on its source. can be haram. However, gelatin comes in a variety of types and has several vegetarian alternatives which can be consumed by Muslims. Hence the answer to the question of whether Haribo is halal or not is – it depends!

Look out for a few things before consuming Haribo. If it is manufactured in Turkey, not Germany, it is highly likely halal. The company has also started producing halal-specific gummy bears, the packets of which have a halal certification. So if you spot a halal certification on the pack, you can rest assured it is hala. Lastly, while the gummies may not be halal, certain products by Haribo are vegetarian, and can be safely consumed by those who follow a halal diet. These include:

  • Freaky Fish
  • Funny Mix
  • Giant Strawbs
  • Giant Trees
  • Jelly Beans
  • Rainbow Spaghetti
  • Rainbow Strips Zing
  • Rainbow Twists
  • Rainbow Twists (Sour)
  • Rotella
  • Soft Jelly Bear
  • Sour Sparks
  • Starbeams
  • Starfish
  • Strawberry Twist

I will recommend that you read the ingredients and keep an eye out for either the halal certificate or look for vegetarian options from Haribo rather than the popular gummy bears.

Halal Certificate for Haribo
Halal Certificate for Haribo

FAQs

Which Haribo is not halal?

Generally speaking only the vegetarian versions of haribo are halal. Some Haribo use beef gelatin rather than pork gelatin, however unless they have a halal certification, it is best to avoid those entirely. In the blog above, you shall find a comprehensive list of halal Haribo options to choose from.

Is gelatin haram in Islam?

The answer to this is it depends on the source. Gelatin derived from pork is haram, whereas gelatin derived from beef that is slaughtered the correct way is halal.

Is gelatin in Haribo halal?

Gelatin is a common ingredient in gummy candies, including Haribo. The halal status of gelatin can vary, as it can be made from different animal sources, such as beef or pork. Therefore, it is important to check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer to determine if the gelatin used in Haribo candies is halal.

Can Muslims have Haribo sweets?

Whether or not Muslims can have Haribo sweets depends on the ingredients used and the production process, as well as the individual’s personal beliefs and practices. If the candies are made with halal ingredients and produced in a halal-compliant facility, then they can be consumed.

Does Haribo contain pork gelatin?

Some Haribo candies may contain pork gelatin, which is not halal for Muslims. However, the company does offer some of the product line with beef and fish based gelatine to cater halal market and it is best to check the ingredient list or contact the company to confirm the source of gelatine in the product you are considering to consume.


Conclusion

So, is Haribo halal? The bottom line is that while some Haribo products may not be halal, the brand does make some options for those who follow a halal diet. In certain cases, Haribo candies manufactured in Turkey are considered halal. Additionally, any candy made by the company that has a halal certification from a recognized Islamic organization is considered halal. However, not all Haribo products are certified halal, so it’s important to check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer to confirm.

It’s also worth noting that some Haribo candies are made with beef or fish-based gelatin, rather than pork-based gelatin which is haram. These products can be consumed by Muslims. Also, Haribo do have vegetarian candies which can be consumed by those who want to avoid any kind of animal based gelatin. However, it’s always important to check the ingredients list or contact the company to confirm the source of the gelatin in the product you’re considering to consume.

As a reminder, it’s always best to be vigilant and mindful when it comes to what we consume, and always check for halal certification or ingredient list before consumption. Thanks for reading.

Photo of author

Written By Nazim Almasi

Nazim is an Islamic scholar, author and External Consultant at Renewable Energy Maldives. He writes on Islamic finance, food and halal dietary guidelines. He is a respected voice in the Muslim community, known for his clear explanations of complex religious concepts. He has been invited to speak at various conferences and seminars on topics related to Islamic finance, food and Renewable Energy.

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