Is Whey Halal?

What is Whey?

Whey is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained during cheese production. It consists of water, lactose, proteins (primarily beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin), minerals, and small amounts of fat. Whey protein has become one of the most popular dietary supplements worldwide and is extensively used in food manufacturing as a protein source, emulsifier, and texture modifier.

How is Whey Produced?

During cheese making, milk is coagulated using either rennet (an enzyme) or acid. The coagulated milk separates into solid curds and liquid whey. The whey is then collected, pasteurized, and processed. For whey protein concentrate, the liquid is ultrafiltered to remove lactose and minerals, then spray-dried. For whey protein isolate, additional processing removes virtually all fat and lactose. The critical factor for halal status is the rennet used — animal rennet from non-halal sources makes the resulting whey questionable.

Is Whey Halal or Haram?

Whey itself, as a milk derivative, would be halal since milk from permissible animals is halal. However, the cheese-making process introduces a critical variable: rennet. If animal rennet from a non-halal-slaughtered animal (or from pork) is used, scholars differ on whether the resulting whey maintains halal status. Microbial rennet and vegetable rennet present no halal concerns. Most major halal certification bodies require verification of the rennet source before certifying whey or whey-containing products.

Scholarly Opinions

The majority of contemporary scholars hold that whey produced using pork-derived rennet is haram, while whey from microbial or plant-based rennet is halal. For whey produced with bovine rennet from non-zabiha cattle, opinions diverge along the same lines as the gelatin debate regarding istihalah (transformation). The Hanafi position tends to be more lenient regarding small quantities of rennet.

Halal Certification Considerations

Look for halal certification on whey-containing products. Terms like 'microbial rennet' or 'vegetable rennet' on cheese labels indicate halal-compatible processing. In the absence of certification, the safest approach is to verify the rennet source with the manufacturer.

Common Products Containing Whey

Whey is commonly found in the following types of products:

• Protein powders
• Infant formula
• Baked goods
• Processed cheese
• Ice cream
• Chocolate
• Energy bars
• Crackers

Always check the product label or use the Halal Scanner app to verify the halal status of products containing Whey.