Muslim consumers who follow Islamic dietary guidelines known as halal have asked several times whether coffee extract is halal. According to Islamic law, foods and beverages labeled as halal must be free from ingredients forbidden under Islamic law called “haram,” yet many certified products still contain hidden haram ingredients with scientific names, vague descriptions, or industry jargon hiding their presence. Furthermore, modern food production practices are known for including animal products where consumers might least expect them.

Halal Watch World has conducted extensive halal certification work over three decades and discovered that food manufacturers often incorporate animal-derived ingredients into products in which consumers least expect them, from breakfast bread to candy in children’s lunchboxes. Animal products come from unlikely places and may hide behind scientific terms and vague descriptions.

Vitamins A and D may come from non-halal sources, while mono and diglycerides emulsifiers made with animal fats may contain ingredients deemed non-halal such as cochineal (Carmine) which comes from crushed insects is not permitted under Sharia Law, while gelatin from non-halal animals is commonly used to produce jellies and candies, while Pepsin and Rennet enzymes made from animal stomachs or non-halal animal parts is employed in cheese making processes.

These ingredients are found in many bottled drinks and ready-to-drink coffees, casting doubt on their halal status. Furthermore, many such drinks also include ingredients that must also be considered such as sugar, milk and creamer; making it difficult to identify one beverage which meets all critical points for halal status; however if prepared at a certified facility this risk can be diminished considerably.