No, Milk Duds are not halal. They contain mono and diglycerides that could be derived from non-halal animal fats, and they also include a resinous glaze dissolved in alcohol, both of which may not be permissible in a Halal diet.
Welcome to an exploration of a common question that concerns many individuals: “Are Milk Duds Halal?” Delving into the world of food and dietary preferences, this inquiry holds significance for those seeking clarity about the Halal status of these popular confectioneries. In this article, we will shed light on the nature of Milk Duds and their adherence to Halal dietary guidelines, providing you with a straightforward understanding of whether these delectable treats align with your dietary choices.
About Milk Duds
MILK DUDS were first introduced in 1928 by the Hershey Company, one of the leading confectionery manufacturers in the world. The name “MILK DUDS” was coined because the candy was originally intended to be perfectly round, but due to a manufacturing glitch, they came out misshapen.
Rather than discarding the imperfect pieces, the company embraced their unique appearance and named them “Duds,” signifying their imperfect nature. The word “Milk” was added to the name because the caramel center is made with milk.
Over the years, Milk Duds have changed hands multiple times. In 1960, Holloway sold Hoffman and Co. to Beatrice Foods. Then, in 1986, Leaf purchased the Milk Duds business. Production of Milk Duds was moved to Leaf Candy Company’s Robinson, Illinois plant in 1992. Finally, in 1996, Hershey Foods Corporation acquired Leaf’s North American confectionery operation, including Milk Duds.
Each piece of MILK DUDS Candy is a delectable combination of chewy caramel enrobed in smooth milk chocolate. The contrast between the soft caramel and the rich chocolate creates a delightful texture and flavor experience. The unique shape of MILK DUDS, with their irregular and slightly flattened appearance, adds to their charm and distinguishes them from other candies in the market.
One of the reasons MILK DUDS have stood the test of time is their versatility. They can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet indulgence or incorporated into various recipes and treats. Whether used as a topping for ice cream, mixed into brownie batter, or baked into cookies, MILK DUDS add a delicious twist to any culinary creation.
It’s important to note that MILK DUDS Candy is not only beloved for its taste but also for its ingredients. Made with chocolate and caramel, MILK DUDS are a delightful combination of classic flavors that have been satisfying cravings for generations. Moreover, MILK DUDS are certified kosher, providing an option for individuals who follow specific dietary restrictions.
However, in 2008, the Hershey Company made changes to the ingredients of some of its products, including Milk Duds. The company replaced the relatively expensive cocoa butter with cheaper oil substitutes in order to maintain the product’s current price without raising it.
It is worth noting that due to United States Food and Drug Administration food labeling laws, the modified recipes of Milk Duds, which no longer contain cocoa butter, cannot legally be described as candy-coated in milk chocolate. Instead, they are labeled as “chocolate candy” or as having a “chocolate coating.”
Despite the passage of time, MILK DUDS have remained a staple in the candy aisle, captivating candy lovers of all ages. The fact that they continue to be enjoyed by generations is a testament to their timeless appeal. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just discovering the joy of MILK DUDS, this classic Hershey candy is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Are Milk Duds Halal?
The status of Milk Duds is mushbooh or doubtful because of the presence of Confectioner’s Glaze. The other ingredients are considered halal as long as they are derived from halal sources and processed in a halal friendly way. According to Hersheyland.com, Milk Duds include the following ingredients:
- Corn Syrup: Derived from corn starch.
- Sugar: Typically derived from sugarcane or sugar beets.
- Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Shea Oil, Sunflower Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Safflower Oil): Derived from the respective plants’ seeds or fruits.
- Dextrose: Usually derived from corn or other starchy sources.
- Skim Milk: Derived from cow’s milk through the removal of most of the fat content.
- Reduced Protein Whey: Whey is a byproduct of cheese production, and its protein content may be reduced during processing.
- Chocolate: Made from cacao beans, which are processed and combined with sugar.
- Brown Sugar: White sugar combined with molasses, a byproduct of sugar production.
- Mono and Diglycerides: Often derived from vegetable oils, such as soybean oil.
- Whey: The liquid portion of milk separated during cheese production, usually derived from cow’s milk.
- Baking Soda: Chemical compound produced through various processes, including mining.
- Salt: Naturally occurring mineral extracted from salt deposits or seawater.
- Confectioner’s Glaze: Derived from secretions of lac insects.
- Tapioca Dextrin: Derived from tapioca starch, which comes from cassava roots.
- Lecithin: Can be sourced from soybeans, eggs, or other sources.
- Vanillin (ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR): Synthetically produced to mimic the flavor of vanilla.
Confectioner’s Glaze, also known as Shellac, is a resinous secretion of the female lac bug. It is used in many food and cosmetic products as a natural resin for various purposes.
The halal status of Confectioner’s Glaze is a topic of debate among different schools of thought. According to the Hanafi school of thought, Shellac is considered halal. However, there are differing opinions among other schools of thought. Some scholars consider it haram.
The reason for this difference in opinion is due to the method of processing and the use of alcohol in the production of Confectioner’s Glaze. When producing Confectioner’s Glaze, shellacs are dissolved in an alcohol solution to create resinous glazing.
Therefore, it is important to check the source and method of production before consuming any product that contains Confectioner’s Glaze.
How Are Milk Duds Made
Milk Duds are a popular candy made by The Hershey Company. They consist of a caramel center coated with a chocolatey confectionery coating. The process of making Milk Duds involves a few key steps.
First, the caramel center is created by cooking a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients until it reaches the desired consistency. This cooked caramel is then shaped into small disks, forming the core of the candy.
Next, the caramel disks are coated with a chocolatey confectionery coating. This coating is made from a combination of cocoa powder, vegetable oil, and other ingredients. The caramel disks are tumbled in the coating mixture, creating a smooth and chocolatey outer layer.
After coating, the Milk Duds are allowed to cool and harden. This process helps the chocolatey coating set, giving the candy its characteristic texture. Finally, the Milk Duds are packaged in yellowish-orange boxes and are ready to be enjoyed.
Why Are Milk Duds So Hard to Eat
Milk Duds are known for being hard to eat due to their chewy and sticky texture. The main reason behind this is the caramel center of Milk Duds, which is made from a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and milk solids. This caramel filling is cooked to a high temperature, which gives it its hard and chewy consistency. When you bite into a Milk Dud, the caramel sticks to your teeth, making it difficult to chew and swallow.
The stickiness of Milk Duds can also be attributed to the chocolate coating that surrounds the caramel. The chocolate has a low melting point, so it can become soft and sticky when held in warm hands or exposed to heat for an extended period. This can make it even harder to eat Milk Duds without making a mess.
Milk Duds can also be challenging to eat because of their size and shape. They are small, rounded candies that can easily become lodged between teeth. The caramel center can get stuck in the crevices of the teeth and require extra effort to remove. This aspect of Milk Duds has led to jokes and complaints about their difficulty to eat.
