Is Mozzarella Cheese Halal Or Haram? 2024
Are you confused about the halal status of mozzarella cheese? It’s a common query among Muslims, as cheese is an essential ingredient in many cultures and cuisines.
Mozzarella cheese is very popular in USA, UK, and Canada, and is commonly used in dishes such as pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches.
Therefore, it is essential to know is mozzarella cheese halal or haram according to Islamic dietary laws.
So let’s dive into the topic and clear up any confusion.
Is Mozzarella Cheese Halal?
Mozzarella cheese is available in both halal and haram varieties, depending on the ingredients used to make it.
In its most basic form, mozzarella cheese is made from cow’s milk, which is considered halal in Islam.
However, some brand uses rennet in the process of making cheese, which is an enzyme that helps coagulate the milk and turn it into cheese.
In most cases, rennet is derived from non-halal sources such as pigs or animals that were not slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.
Therefore, mozzarella cheese made with rennet is considered haram for Muslims to consume.
Although, there are different brands selling mozzarella cheese that do not use rennet and are certified halal.
So before purchasing any mozzarella cheese, always check the ingredients list or look for a halal certification logo on the packaging.
You might also like to learn is parmesan cheese halal.
What About Vegetarian Rennet?
As said above rennet can be derived from both halal and haram sources, but what about vegetarian rennet? If the brand uses vegetarian rennet then is mozzarella cheese halal?
According to the Islamic Fiqh Council, vegetarian rennet is considered halal as it is derived from a plant source and does not involve the slaughtering of animals.
However, in the case of Mozzarella cheese, even if the rennet is vegetarian, it is still important to look out for halal certification.
This is because the Mozzarella Cheese is mostly made with traditional animal rennet only which is not vegetarian.
Therefore, always make sure to check the ingredients and certification before purchasing mozzarella cheese.
Brands can forcefully use animal rennet and not mention it on the packaging, so always stay cautious.
Also see is cheddar cheese halal.
Halal Mozzarella Cheese Brands
Nowadays, many brands offer halal-certified mozzarella cheese for Muslim consumers.
However, with time it may change, so it is important to keep checking for certification before purchasing.
Some of the popular halal mozzarella cheese brands we found in the present include:
- Arla
- Sorrento
- Tillamook
- Friendship
All of these are halal-approved by Islamic food certification bodies such as IFANCA and HALAL FOOD AUTHORITY.
However, there are also some brands selling vegetarian or kosher-certified mozzarella cheese, which is also considered halal by some Muslims. We recommend only purchasing cheese that bears a halal certification logo.
Kosher or Vegetarian certified cheese may be acceptable for Jewish or vegetarian consumers but it does not necessarily mean that they are halal according to Islamic dietary laws.
Here are a few brands that sell vegetarian or kosher-certified mozzarella cheese:
- Galbani
- Miller’s
- Taam Tov
- 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Calabro
- Trader’s Joe
So, if you are a Muslim who wants to consume halal mozzarella cheese, always look for the certification logo and avoid products with non-halal ingredients such as animal rennet.
If you do not have access to halal-certified mozzarella cheese in your area, you can also try making your own at home using vegetarian rennet or vinegar as substitutes.
If you’re confused about Ricotta cheese, learn here is ricotta cheese halal.
Ingredients Used In Mozzarella Cheese
Apart from rennet, mozzarella cheese also contains other ingredients such as milk, salt, lactic acid, cultures, and enzymes.
These ingredients are considered halal for Muslim consumption and do not pose any concerns.
However, some brands may add additional flavors or preservatives that may contain non-halal ingredients. Therefore it is always advised to check the label before purchasing.
How To Identify Halal Mozzarella Cheese?
If you are still unsure about the halal status of mozzarella cheese, here are some tips to help you identify halal mozzarella cheese:
- Check the ingredients list: As mentioned above, always check for rennet and other animal-based ingredients.
- Look for certification logos: Products with halal certification logos like IFANCA, HALAL FOOD AUTHORITY, or any other trusted Islamic food certifying bodies are considered halal.
- Research the brand: Make a quick search about the brand and its production process. If they are known for being halal-friendly, then chances are their cheese is also halal.
- Ask a trusted source: If you are still not sure, ask a friend or family member who is knowledgeable in Islamic dietary laws.
- Check online reviews: Many Muslim consumers leave reviews and comments on products they have tried. Check these to see if anyone has mentioned the halal status of the mozzarella cheese you are interested in purchasing.
Also see is philadelphia cream cheese halal.
FAQs
Q. Is great value mozzarella cheese halal?
A. No, Great Value Mozzarella Cheese is not halal as it contains animal rennet.
Q. Is Kraft mozzarella cheese halal?
A. Kraft Mozzarella Cheese is not halal as they use non-halal rennet in their production process.
Q. Is Kirkland mozzarella cheese halal?
A. No, Kirkland Mozzarella Cheese is not halal as it contains rennet from non-halal sources.
Q. Is mozzarella cheese halal in the USA?
A. In the USA, you’ll find both halal and non-halal varieties of mozzarella cheese. Therefore, always check for ingredients and certification before purchasing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the halal status of mozzarella cheese can vary depending on the brand and production process.
While some brands use non-halal ingredients such as animal rennet, others offer halal-friendly options for Muslim consumers.
Therefore, it is always important to check the label and look for certification logos before purchasing mozzarella cheese to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences.
With the increasing demand for halal products, more brands are now offering halal-certified mozzarella cheese, making it easier for Muslim consumers to enjoy this popular type of cheese without compromisinng on their beliefs. So, always stay alert and choose wisely to ensure that your mozzarella cheese is truly halal.
I hope your search for is Mozzarella cheese halal or haram ends here and this blog helped you to gain a better understanding of the topic.
