Ramadan means bigger shops, more guests and more products you don't usually buy. A few minutes of label checking before iftar saves a lot of worry later. Here's a simple list to take to the supermarket.
Dates and dried fruit
Plain dates are halal. Some dried fruit is coated with a glazing agent or oil — check for shellac (E904), which most certifiers accept, and anything listed as "animal fat".
Drinks
- Juices and squash are fine; check "flavourings" if you're strict — see natural flavours.
- Vimto and Rooh Afza are Ramadan favourites and contain no alcohol.
- Avoid "non-alcoholic" beers and wines — see non-alcoholic beer.
Meat
Buy from a halal butcher or look for a certifier's logo. If you only eat unstunned meat, check the certifier — see stunned meat and supermarket meat.
Desserts and sweets
This is where most mistakes happen.
- Jelly, trifle and cheesecake often contain gelatine.
- Some desserts contain alcohol — see is tiramisu halal?
- Ice cream can contain gelatine or alcohol-based flavourings.
- Kids' sweets: see is Haribo halal?
Samosas, pastries and snacks
Frozen pastry and spring rolls can use animal fat or E471. Cheese fillings depend on the rennet — see is mozzarella halal?
Save time in the shop
Scan the barcode or snap the ingredients for an instant halal check. And don't forget prayer times for your city, including Maghrib for iftar.
