Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam
Is Carrageenan Halal: Have you been curious if carrageenan is the same as gelatin? Making both of them to be haram. But is carrageenan halal or haram? We understand the relatability in the questions as both are used as emulsifiers in some commonly consumed products. Here are all the reasons why and how carrageenan is different from gelatin.
Halal dietary recommendations have raised questions about the substance carrageenan, which is often utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
In food products including meat, jellies, ice cream, and puddings, carrageenan, a polysaccharide extracted from seaweed, is used as a gelling agent, thickening, and stabilizer. Let’s read about “Is Carrageenan Halal Or Haram?”
Decades of exhaustive scientific research and human consumption have shown that carrageenan is safe and effective for use in foods, and regulatory bodies and organizations like the World Health Organisation and the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives have also confirmed this.
As Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Lawful to you is the game from the sea and its food as provision for you.” .
[al-Maidah 5:96]
What Is Carrageenan? Is Carrageenan Halal?
Carrageenan is halal under Islamic law and has received this certification. It is a recognized halal, kosher, and vegan substance made from plants.
A class of naturally occurring linear sulfated polysaccharides known as carrageenan is taken out of red edible seaweeds. It is a typical food additive that is utilized in large quantities in the food industry for its ability to gel, thicken, and stabilize.
In some situations, carrageenan can be used in place of gelatin to make confections and other foods vegetarian and vegan. Halal, kosher, and vegan certifications are also accorded to carrageenan.
There is no scientific proof that carrageenan is a dangerous food additive, and it is thought to be safe for human consumption. Carrageenan, however, may have negative effects on the digestive system and may be related to colon cancer, according to certain research.
Therefore, if you are concerned about the negative effects of this ingredient, it is advised that you select a brand that does not include carrageenan. Besides the concern of a few cases of health issues, carrageenan is perfectly halal and safe to be consumed by Muslims.
How Is Carrageenan Made?
A fiber called carrageenan frequently takes the place of gelatin and other petrochemical- and animal-based products. Additionally, carrageenan is vegan, halal, and kosher.
Red seaweed is used to make carrageenan, which is extracted in a number of processes. Here is a general description of what happens:
1. Harvesting:
Seaweed is taken from the water and delivered to a processing facility.
2. Cleaning:
To get rid of any sand, shells, or other material, the seaweed is washed.
3. Alkali treatment:
To get rid of the cellulose, the seaweed is treated with an alkali solution, like potassium hydroxide.
4. Filtration:
Through filtration and centrifugation, carrageenan is removed from the seaweed.
5. Concentration:
Evaporation concentrates the carrageenan solution.
6. Drying:
A fine powder is created by drying and grinding the concentrated carrageenan.
Is Carrageenan Also Kosher?
Carrageenan is regarded as kosher, yes. It is recognized as a kosher ingredient and categorized as “Parve,” which denotes that it is neither dairy nor meat and can be eaten with either.
Seaweed-derived carrageenan serves as a gelatin alternative as well as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and food thickening. It adheres to the strict guidelines of “kashruth,” the Jewish dietary code. Therefore, persons who follow a kosher diet can eat carrageenan.
What Foods And Beverages Contain Carrageenan?
Carrageenan is a typical food additive that is used in a variety of foods and beverages as a thickening, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It can be discovered in processed dairy products like-
- Ice cream
- Cottage cheese
- Coffee creamer,
As well as in dairy alternatives like
- Plant-based milk,
- Vegan cheese, and
- Vegan yogurt.
Carrageenan is also used in processed meats like-
- Deli meat
- Chicken sausage
- Turkey bacon.
In addition, it can be found in prepared foods including frozen burritos, frozen pizza, canned soups, and canned broths. Additionally, several protein shakes, powders, nutritional or diet drinks, chocolate milk, yogurt, popsicles, and newborn formula all contain carrageenan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there alcohol in carrageenan?
It is true that alcohol is employed in the manufacture of carrageenan. Using an alkali solution to treat the seaweed, filtering and concentrating the carrageenan solution, and finally drying and grinding the carrageenan into a fine powder are the steps in the process of extracting carrageenan from seaweed.
2. What is carrageenan made of?
The red seaweed used to make carrageenan is composed of alternating sulfated galactose and anhydrogalactose disaccharide units. It is a pure, plant-based component that is responsibly cultivated and gathered from global oceans by small-scale family farmers.
3. Is seaweed Halal in Islam?
Muslims may consume seaweed since it is regarded as halal in Islam.
Conclusion
Thus the final verdict to the question of whether is carrageenan halal can be declared as inherently it is halal but the manufacturing processes may hamper the entitlement so keep a close eye on the product.
The choice to consume carrageenan or not ultimately rests with each Muslim and their spiritual authorities. Carrageenan-containing items may be avoided by those who follow halal dietary regulations more strictly in order to err on the side of caution. On the other hand, people who think carrageenan satisfies the requirements for halal may feel at ease taking it in moderation.
