Gummy bears are a popular candy enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. One of the well-known brands that produce these sweet treats is Black Forest. Yet, individuals adhering to a halal diet frequently face uncertainty regarding the permissibility of consuming these gummy bears.
This article aims to examine the ingredients used in Black Forest gummy bears and determine if they align with halal dietary laws.
What Qualifies Food as Halal?
Halal is an Arabic term that means “permissible” in English. In the context of food, it refers to food items that are permissible to consume under Islamic law, as defined in the Quran.
The antonym of halal is haram, denoting “prohibited” or “forbidden.” Certain food and drink, such as pork and alcohol, are universally considered haram. However, determining whether certain processed foods, like gummy bears, are halal can be more complex.
Black Forest Gummy Bears Ingredients
Though Black Forest Gummies have different varieties, most of them have similar ingredients. The base ingredients include corn syrup, gelatin, modified food starch (corn), citric acid, apple juice from concentrate, sodium citrate, natural and artificial flavors, coconut oil, colors (black carrot juice, beta-carotene, spirulina extract, turmeric), and carnauba wax.
The Role of Gelatin in Gummy Bears
Gelatin plays a crucial role in giving gummy bears their characteristic chewy texture. It is a protein derived from the partial hydrolysis of collagen, which is extracted from the skin, connective tissues, and bones of animals such as pigs and cows.
However, the use of gelatin poses a problem for those following a halal diet. This is because gelatin can be derived from animals that are not slaughtered according to Islamic rites or from forbidden animals like pigs.
Are Black Forest Gummy Bears Halal?
Based on their FAQs page, Black Forest gummies use pork gelatin. Therefore, Black Forest Gummy Bears are not considered halal. While Black Forest Gummy Bears lack additional animal-based ingredients, their consumption may not be deemed safe for Muslims.
Halal Alternatives of Black Gummy Bears
If you’re looking for a delicious and halal-friendly alternative to Black Forest Gummy Bears, there are many options available in the market that do not contain gelatin. Some brands use pectin instead of gelatin. Pectin is a naturally produced ingredient in jellies and gummies that provides a jelly-like structure.
In contrast to gelatin, pectin is consistently vegan and Halal-friendly as it originates from apples and citrus fruits.
Conclusion
While Black Forest Gummy Bears may be a favorite candy for many due to their sweet and fruity flavor, they are not considered halal due to the use of pork gelatin. However, there are plenty of halal-friendly alternatives available for those who wish to enjoy gummy candies while adhering to their dietary beliefs.