Ingredient intelligence

A gelling protein made from boiling animal skin, bones, and connective tissue.

Origin:

Typically pork or bovine

Ruling:

Haram unless explicitly labelled as halal-certified beef or fish gelatine.

Common in:

Gummy sweets, Marshmallows, Yoghurts, Capsules

A complex of enzymes used to coagulate milk in cheesemaking.

Origin:

Calf stomach, microbial, or plant

Ruling:

Halal when microbial or vegetable; doubtful when animal-sourced without halal slaughter.

Common in:

Hard cheeses, Parmesan

Intoxicating beverage or ingredient used as a solvent.

Origin:

Fermentation

Ruling:

Haram in beverages. Trace amounts from natural fermentation vary in ruling; verify.

Common in:

Wines, Beers, Vanilla extract, Some sauces

An emulsifier from soy, sunflower, egg, or animal fat.

Origin:

Plant, egg, or animal

Ruling:

Halal when plant-based (soy/sunflower). Doubtful if source unspecified.

Common in:

Chocolate, Margarine, Baked goods

A red colouring made from crushed cochineal insects.

Origin:

Insect

Ruling:

Considered haram by most UK halal certifiers.

Common in:

Yoghurts, Sweets, Cosmetics

A resin secreted by the female lac insect used as a food glaze.

Origin:

Insect secretion

Ruling:

Majority view permits it as a secretion; some certifiers avoid.

Common in:

Confectionery glaze, Apples, Pharmaceutical coatings

The liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained.

Origin:

Dairy

Ruling:

Doubtful — often produced using non-halal rennet during cheesemaking.

Common in:

Protein powders, Baked goods, Snack seasonings

Meat and derivatives from pigs.

Origin:

Pig

Ruling:

Explicitly haram in the Qur'an.

Common in:

Cured meats, Ready meals, Some biscuits