Halal, which refers to any act or food permissible for Muslims to consume or perform, covers more than food and beverages; it includes ingredient sourcing and production processes as well. With coffee consumption on the rise worldwide, more consumers are searching for products with certification that meet Islamic dietary guidelines.

Given this demand, a growing number of coffee companies are seeking certification from independent organizations to meet consumer expectations for Halal coffee products. Although certification alone should not be the determining factor when choosing coffee products, having it provides added peace of mind.

One of the primary concerns regarding halal coffee is whether it contains forbidden (haram) ingredients such as alcohol. While certain varieties do contain forbidden elements, many do not and when consumed in moderation coffee may even prove beneficial to one’s health – acting both as an energy boost and helping reduce risks such as cancer, diabetes, gallstones, and heart disease.

Product certification as halal requires meeting certain criteria, including being free from forbidden ingredients and created using permissible processes. A coffee plant producing certified halal beans must use equipment and machinery that has been authorized by an official halal organization such as roasters, grinders and espresso machines.

Coffee producers who hold a Halal Certificate can ensure all ingredients used in their products comply with Islamic dietary guidelines, while their certification also serves as proof that all aspects of production from cultivation to final preparation follow Islamic law.

Coffee production involves three stages: cultivation, processing and brewing. Coffee beans can be exposed to temperature extremes during this process which alter their flavors and textures; therefore it’s essential that halal-certified brands offer coffee that utilizes premium beans roasted properly for best results.

As one example of a halal-certified coffee, Indonesian Luwak stands out. Made with beans excreted by wild civets, which are then cleaned and roasted; while this may sound unpleasant, this form of production and extraction remains permissible as long as no harm comes to any beans during extraction and production processes.

Muslim consumers should exercise extreme caution when buying coffee products with unusual names or associations, particularly if these have names that could potentially represent forbidden materials. Even if no forbidden ingredients exist within these products themselves, their associations and representation can still render them forbidden in accordance with Shariah law. Muslim consumers should prioritize products with a Halal certification from a reliable independent body when selecting coffee products that bear this label, as this will further bolster the brand’s status as a premium quality supplier in Asia. Cafetto hopes the Halal Certification will enable it to reach new consumers and expand its business in this region, adding another certification to its list of environmental and food safety certificates already held by them. They plan to continue growing their presence within the global coffee industry.