Haram Ingredients List

What Makes an Ingredient Haram?

In Islamic dietary law, an ingredient is classified as haram (forbidden) when it falls into one of these categories as established by the Quran and Sunnah:

• Pork and all its derivatives: This includes lard, pork gelatin, pork enzymes, and any by-product from pigs. This prohibition is explicitly stated in the Quran (2:173, 5:3, 6:145, 16:115).
• Alcohol (intoxicants): Khamr (intoxicating beverages) and ingredients containing intentionally added alcohol are haram. The Quran states: "O you who believe, intoxicants are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid them" (5:90).
• Blood: Flowing blood is haram, which is why Islamic slaughter (zabiha) requires thorough blood drainage.
• Carrion: Animals that died without proper Islamic slaughter are forbidden, along with their derivatives.
• Insects: Most insects are considered haram, with the notable exception of locusts (as mentioned in hadith).
• Carnivorous animals and birds of prey: Animals with fangs and birds with talons are generally considered haram.

Definitely Haram Ingredients

The following ingredients are unanimously considered haram by Islamic scholars. If you find any of these on a product label, the product should be avoided:

Haram E-Numbers

These E-numbers (food additive codes) are derived from haram sources:

Mushbooh (Doubtful) Ingredients — Use Caution

These ingredients are not inherently haram, but their halal status depends on the source material. When you see these on a label, you should verify the source with the manufacturer or look for halal certification:

How to Avoid Haram Ingredients

1. Learn the common names. Haram ingredients often appear under technical or trade names. Bookmark this page as a quick reference.
2. Check E-numbers. Use our E-numbers guide to decode food additive codes.
3. Look for halal certification. Products certified by recognized bodies like JAKIM, IFANCA, or MUI have been independently verified.
4. Use the Halal Scanner app. Scan any product barcode for instant halal status checking.
5. When in doubt, avoid. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt."

Halal Alternatives for Common Haram Ingredients

• Instead of pork gelatin: Use agar-agar, pectin, carrageenan, or halal-certified bovine/fish gelatin.
• Instead of carmine (E120): Use beetroot extract (E162), paprika, or synthetic food colors.
• Instead of lard: Use palm oil, cocoa butter, or vegetable shortening.
• Instead of vanilla extract: Use halal vanilla flavoring, vanilla powder, or vanilla bean paste without alcohol.