In the candy market, Zappos are quite popular in Australia. Both kids and adults enjoy the sweet, chewy with an enticing fizzy, fruity flavor. But these are not vegetarian, so Australian Muslims must ask: do Zappos meet halal requirements? This article provides a clear, detailed answer to the question, “Are Zappos halal?” and offers guidance for those looking for halal-friendly candy options in Australia.
What are Zappos?
Zappos is a brand of chewy fizzy candies that are well-known across Australia and can be found in most supermarkets and convenience stores. Its variety of flavors include grape, cola, strawberry and blue raspberry, thus being a hit among people across all ages as they can be consumed on-the-go or during parties. Their unique taste and eye-catching packaging makes them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.
What does halal mean?
For those following a halal diet, it’s important to understand what qualifies as halal. Halal food and drinks are those that comply with Islamic law. The following are key requirements for halal food:
- Pig or any variations on it cannot be included in the cuisine.
- Meat ingredients must come from animals slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines
- The food must not include alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
- Cross-contamination with non-halal substances must be avoided during handling, packaging, and preparation.
These standards ensure that the food is permissible for consumption according to Islamic principles.
Are Zappos halal?
No, Zappo chews are not Halal because they contain pork gelatin. The halal status of Zappos candies varies by flavor; while some are produced with halal-compliant ingredients, others, like the strawberry and grape flavors, are not considered halal. To understand if Zappos are halal, let’s look at the typical ingredients found in these candies. The main ingredients in Zappos generally include:
- Corn glucose syrup
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Food acids, such as citric acid
- Gelatin
- Flavourings
- Emulsifiers
- Antioxidants
- Colours
While most of these ingredients are generally permissible, gelatin and certain flavourings are the primary concerns for halal consumers.
Gelatin: The main concern for halal compliance
Gelatin is an important ingredient in several types of chewy candies, including some types of Zappos. An animal-based substance, gelatin is usually made from the bones, skin and connective tissues of animals such as pigs and cows. In order for a product to be considered halal, the gelatin must be obtained from a halal-certified provider. Since the gelatin in non-halal Zappos has not been made halal certified, a Muslim may deem it as unsuitable for their use.
Flavourings: Potentially non-halal ingredients
Zappos use artificial flavouring in order to enhance its taste to suit the consumers better. The vast majority of artificial flavours are halal, but some substances like alcohol may be present in a few of them. In halal-certified products, flavorings are expected to be free of alcohol, however, a few uncured candies may contain them.
Colours and other additives
There are some lollies that include colourings which are sometimes derived from animal or alcohol sources. Note that many food dyes in use now are synthesized but it is still advisable to confirm especially of any halal certified products are your forte.
Are Zappos halal certified?
In Australia, food products do undergo halal certification by appropriate bodies that ensure food products meet the halal standards. Zappos do not have halal certification. This lack of certification means that consumers are unable to be completely certain that all the ingredient content and the processes used in the production observe the halal policy. In light of this, many who are on halal diets in Australia tend to stay away from Zappos or seek a certified alternative.
Halal alternatives to Zappos
There are a number of brands available in Australia that have halal approved options which do taste like Zappos although they are not Zappos for those who would like to chew halal approved lollies. Some of these are:
Haribo: Some products of Haribo are halal compliant mostly produced at facilities that are halal compliant but some may not be.
Trolli: Look out for halal labels on Trollis’s gummy candies and other halal-certified products.
Fruidles: This brand has a variety of halal lollies like fruity chews, gummies and many more.
Starburst (gelatin-free varieties): If you are looking gelatin-free sugary candies, there are some Starburst products that qualify as halal and can be a suitable substitute.
How to verify halal status when in doubt
If you’re unsure about the halal status of a product like Zappos, consider the following tips to help make an informed decision:
Look for halal certification: The simplest way to confirm a product’s halal status is to look for an official halal certification mark on the packaging.
Read ingredient lists: Examine the ingredients list for any possible haram substances such as alcohol, gelatin, or any animal products.
Reach out to the manufacturer: If there are any further questions that need to be addressed, the best way to do so is to reach out to the manufacturer yourself and verify all of the ingredients and whether or not they are halal.
Purchase from branded halal retailers: There are a few stores and online shops in Australia where you can buy halal-certified products, including a short – but reputable – list of halal certified sweet and salty snacks as well.
Why Zappos may not be suitable for halal diets
Zappos should therefore be avoided by Australians who are on a halal diet since Zappos does not have ready certificates nor information about the sourcing of its ingredients. Zappos are however quite popular and available everywhere. However, without knowledge of halal certification guidelines pertaining to raw material sourcing, Zappos may be unsuitable for dieters. To those who follow halal dietary practices, the products bearing visible halal accreditations are the most preferred.
Conclusion
For Australians observing a halal diet, Zappos may not be the ideal choice due to the uncertainty around ingredients and the lack of halal certification. Though Zappos are a widely enjoyed treat, the absence of confirmed halal status could be a concern for halal-conscious consumers. Thankfuly, there are numerous halal-approved sweets available in Australia which helps indulging in enjoyable sweets which do not hurt your dietary policies.’ Remember to look on labels or contact halal sellers to find commodities that you can enjoy eating without worry.
