Ice Breakers are a popular type of candy that come in small, minty pellets. They are often used to freshen breath or just to enjoy as a tasty treat.
But for some people, there may be questions about whether or not ice breakers are halal.
Halal refers to food that is permissible according to Islamic law, and it’s a topic that is important to many people around the world.
In this article, we’ll explore whether or not Ice Breakers fit the criteria for halal food. So, if you’re curious about this topic or just love Ice Breakers, keep reading!
An Overview of Ice Breakers
Ice Breakers was launched in the 1990s to compete with similar minty breath freshening brands like LifeSavers and became part of The Hershey Company family in 2000, along with Breath Savers Mints, Bubble Yum Bubble Gum, and others purchased from Nabisco Holdings.
In addition to mints, Hershey expanded the refreshing Ice Breakers options to include chewing gum, fruit-flavored mints, and sour candies. The Ice Breakers brand is known for its refreshing and delightful flavors that freshen your breath.
Ice Breakers – Varieties and Flavours
There are many varieties and flavors of Ice Breakers available, including:
ICE BREAKERS ICE CUBES Sugar Free Gum
ICE BREAKERS ICE CUBES Sugar Free Gum is a popular product line of chewing gum that comes in various flavors, shapes, and sizes. It is made with xylitol and is ADA-accepted, making it a great choice for those looking for a sugar-free gum that is good for their teeth. It is available in the following flavours:
- Watermelon Slushie
- Arctic Grape
- Cinnamon
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Mint Crystal
- Snowman Candy Cane
- Glitter Sparkleberry
- Golden Apple
- Snow Cone
- Piña Colada
- Cherry Limeade
- Bubble Breeze
- Wintergreen
- Tropical Freeze
- Kiwi Watermelon
- Cool Orange
- Raspberry Sorbet
ICE BREAKERS Sugar Free Mints
These mints are designed to freshen your breath and are perfect for easy sharing and lasting freshness. They contain cooling crystals and are available in compact tins that can easily fit in your pocket or purse for on-the-go freshness. They are available in the following flavours:
- Watermelon Slushie
- Candy Cane
- Coolmint
- Wintergreen
- Cherry Limeade
- Piña Colada
- Cinnamon
- Spearmint
- Golden Apple
ICE BREAKERS DUO Sugar Free Mints
ICE BREAKERS DUO Sugar Free Mints are a popular breath freshener that combines sweet fruity taste with refreshing cooling crystals. These mints are sugar-free, making them a healthier option for those who want to freshen their breath without consuming sugar. There are several different flavors of ICE BREAKERS DUO Sugar Free Mints available, including:
- Watermelon
- Grape
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
ICE BREAKERS FROST Sugar Free Mints
They are designed to provide a powerful and refreshing burst of flavor while refreshing your breath. These mints are available in compact containers that can easily fit in your pocket, purse, or car, making them a convenient choice for on-the-go freshness. They come in different flavors including:
- Peppermint
- Wintercool
ICE BREAKERS Sours Sugar Free Mints
ICE BREAKERS Sours Sugar Free Mints are a type of mint candy with a sour and fruity taste that are marketed as being sugar-free. These mints are available in different sizes, such as 1.5 oz pucks and 12 oz boxes. They are designed to freshen breath and provide a mouth-watering, fruit-flavored treat. They are available in the following flavours:
- Sour Fruits
- Mixed Berry
Ingredient List of Different Ice Breakers Flavours
The ingredients for Ice Breakers products can vary depending on the flavor. Here is a list of ingredients for some of the different flavors.
ICE BREAKERS ICE CUBES Sugar Free Gum – Ingredients
Xylitol, Gum Base, Maltitol, Mannitol, Maltitol Syrup, Maltodextrin, Natural Flavor, Artificial Flavor, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Lecithin, Aspartame (Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine), Gelatin, Acesulfame Potassium, Gum Acacia, Sorbitol, Neotame, BHT, Sucralose, Isomalt, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Modified Corn Starch, Skim Milk, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Milk Fat, PGPR, Artificial Color (Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake).
ICE BREAKERS Sugar Free Mints – Ingredients
Sorbitol, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Maltitol, Aspartame, Magnesium Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Soybean Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Palm Oil), Natural & Artificial Flavor, Lecithin (soy), Artificial Color (Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6), Gum Acacia, Mannitol, Xylitol, Gum Base, Maltitol Syrup, Gelatin, Acesulfame Potassium, BHT, Neotame, Folic Acid.
ICE BREAKERS DUO Sugar Free Mints – Ingredients
Sorbitol, Maltodextrin, Malic Acid, Maltitol, Magnesium Stearate, Aspartame, Citric Acid, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Natural Flavor, Artificial Flavor, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Soybean Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Palm Oil), Lecithin, Modified Corn Starch, Artificial Color (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 40, Blue 2 Lake).
ICE BREAKERS FROST Sugar Free Mints – Ingredients
Isomalt, Xylitol, Natural Flavor, Artificial Flavor, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate, Aspartame (Phenylketonurics), Modified Cellulose, Gum Acacia, Maltitol, Acesulfame Potassium, Neotame, Lecithin (Soy), Canola Oil, Polysorbate 80, Sucralose, Potassium Sorbate, Preservative, Pectin, Artificial Color [Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake], Gum Tragacanth, Citric Acid, Glycerin.
ICE BREAKERS Sours Sugar Free Mints – Ingredients
Sorbitol, Malic Acid, Maltodextrin, Tartaric Acid, Maltitol, Aspartame, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Natural Flavor, Artificial Flavor, Gum Acacia, Magnesium Stearate, Citric Acid, Mannitol, Lecithin, Artificial Color (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1).
Halal / Haram Status of Ice Breakers Ingredients
Below, we will explore in detail all the components that make up an Ice Breaker Gum and Mint and if they are considered halal or haram according to Islamic rulings.
| Ingredient | Description | Status |
| Xylitol | A sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute in gums and mints due to its low calorie content and ability to prevent tooth decay. | Halal |
| Gum Base | The main ingredient in chewing gum that gives it its chewy texture. | N/A |
| Maltitol | A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in gums and mints because it is less likely to cause tooth decay than regular sugar. | Halal |
| Mannitol | A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in gums and mints that provides a cooling effect in the mouth. | Halal |
| Maltitol Syrup | A sweet syrup made from maltitol that is used as a sweetener in gums and mints. | Halal |
| Maltodextrin | A carbohydrate used as a thickener or filler in gums and mints. | Halal |
| Natural Flavors | Flavorings derived from natural sources like fruits, plants, or animals. | Halal if derived from a halal source through a extraction/production process; else Haram |
| Artificial Flavors | Flavorings created through chemical synthesis to mimic natural flavors. | Halal if derived from a halal source through a extraction/production process; else Haram |
| Malic Acid | An acid used to provide a sour or tart taste to gums and mints. | Halal |
| Citric Acid | An acid used to provide a sour taste to gums and mints. | Halal |
| Lecithin (Soy) | A natural emulsifier derived from soy used to keep ingredients in gums and mints evenly mixed. | Halal |
| Aspartame | An artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in gums and mints due to its low calorie content. | Halal |
| Gelatin | A protein used as a gelling agent to give gums and mints their texture. | Haram if pork gelatin is used |
| Acesulfame Potassium | An artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in gums and mints due to its low calorie content. | Halal |
| Gum Acacia | A natural gum used as a thickener or emulsifier in gums and mints. | Halal |
| Sorbitol | A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in gums and mints that can help prevent tooth decay. | Halal |
| Neotame | An artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in gums and mints due to its low calorie content. | Halal |
| BHT | A preservative used to extend the shelf life of gums and mints. | Halal if only vegetable oil is used as a carrier |
| Medium Chain Triglycerides | Fatty acids derived from coconut or palm kernel oil that are used to help mix ingredients in gums and mints. | Halal |
| Sucralose | An artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in gums and mints due to its low calorie content. | Halal |
| Isomalt | A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in gums and mints that can help prevent tooth decay. | Halal |
| Sugar | A sweetener used in gums and mints that provides calories and can contribute to tooth decay. | Halal |
| Skim Milk | A dairy product used as a flavoring in some gums and mints. | Halal |
| Cocoa Butter | A natural fat derived from cocoa beans used as a flavoring in some gums and mints. | Halal |
| Chocolate | A confection made from cocoa solids and cocoa butter used as a flavoring in some gums and mints. | Halal if it does not contain Alcohol |
| Milk Fat | A fat derived from milk used as a flavoring in some gums and mints. | Halal |
| PGPR | A food additive made from castor oil that is used as an emulsifier in some gums and mints. | Mushbooh – Halal if suitable for vegetarians is mentioned on the label |
| Acetic Acid | An acid used as a flavoring and preservative in some gums and mints. | Halal |
| Mica-based Pearlescent Pigments | Shimmering pigments used to give gums and mints a shiny appearance. | N/A |
| Magnesium Stearate | A lubricant used to help mix ingredients in gums and mints. | Haram if derived from animal source |
| Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil | Used in gums and mints as a texture enhancer and to help ingredients mix evenly. | Mushbooh – Halal if source of fat is Soy or Plant, Haram if its pork |
| Folic Acid | A B-vitamin that is added to some gums and mints for its potential health benefits. | Halal |
| Modified Corn Starch | A modified form of corn starch used as a thickener or binder in gums and mints. | Halal |
| Canola Oil | A vegetable oil used as a flavoring or texture enhancer in some gums and mints. | N/A |
| Polysorbate 80 | A surfactant and emulsifier used to help ingredients mix evenly in gums and mints. | Mushbooh – Halal if it is 100% from plant fat, Haram if it is from pork fat |
| Gum Tragacanth | A natural gum derived from the sap of certain plant species that is used as a thickener or binder in gums and mints. | Halal |
| Potassium Sorbate | A preservative used to extend the shelf life of gums and mints. | Halal |
| Pectin | A natural gelling agent derived from fruits that is used to give gums and mints their texture. | Halal |
| Modified Cellulose | A modified form of cellulose used as a thickener or binder in gums and mints. | N/A |
| Glycerin | A sugar alcohol used as a humectant in gums and mints to help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out. | Mushbooh – if derived from animal sources |
| Blue 1 Lake | A food colorant used to give gums and mints a blue color. | Halal |
| Red 40 | A food colorant used to give gums and mints a red color. | Halal |
| Blue 1 | A food colorant used to give gums and mints a blue color. | Halal |
| Yellow 5 Lake | A food colorant used to give gums and mints a yellow color. | Halal |
| Yellow 5 | A food colorant used to give gums and mints a yellow color. | Halal |
| Yellow 6 Lake | A food colorant used to give gums and mints a yellow color. | Halal |
| Red 40 Lake | A food colorant used to give gums and mints a red color. | Halal |
| Blue 2 Lake | A food colorant used to give gums and mints a blue color. | Halal |
Are Ice Breakers Halal – Final Thoughts
Ice Breakers Gums and Mints contain various questionable ingredients that make them doubtful in terms of their halal status. These ingredients include natural and artificial flavors, gelatin, BHT, PGPR, magnesium stearate, hydrogenated vegetable oil, polysorbate 80, and glycerin.
Natural and artificial flavors are commonly used in food and beverage products to enhance their taste and aroma. However, the source and composition of these flavors are not always clear. This ambiguity raises concerns among the Muslim community, as they are unsure whether these flavors contain any non-halal ingredients.
Gelatin is another ingredient commonly used in food and beverage products as a gelling agent or stabilizer. However, gelatin is usually derived from non-halal sources such as pork or non-slaughtered animals. As a result, it is not considered halal.
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a preservative used in food and beverage products to prevent oxidation and spoilage. Although it is generally regarded as safe, its halal status is uncertain due to the possibility of being derived from non-halal sources.
PGPR (polyglycerol polyricinoleate) is an emulsifier used in food and beverage products to improve their texture and consistency. While it is not inherently non-halal, its halal status is doubtful due to its uncertain source and composition.
Magnesium stearate is a lubricant used in food and beverage products to prevent them from sticking to machinery during production. Although it is not inherently non-halal, its halal status is uncertain because it may have been derived from non-halal sources.
Hydrogenated vegetable oil is a type of oil used in food and beverage products as a substitute for animal fat. Although it is not inherently haram, its halal status is ambiguous due to the possibility that it was produced using non-halal ingredients.
Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier used in food and beverage products to improve their texture and consistency. Although it is not inherently haram, its halal status is questionable due to its unknown origin and composition.
Glycerin is a sweetener and humectant used in food and beverage products to maintain their moisture content. Although it is generally accepted as halal, its origin and composition should be checked to make sure it is not made with ingredients that are forbidden in Islam.
So, the next time you reach for a pack of Ice Breakers Gums or Mints, be aware of the ingredients listed and choose wisely!
