Is 10 fl oz juice drink - strawberry kiwi Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Halal, we look beyond the main flavors and examine the additives that provide texture, color, and shelf stability. For this strawberry kiwi juice drink, the ingredients are largely synthetic or plant-derived, which is good news for those adhering to a Halal diet.

First, the sweetener profile consists of HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP and SUCRALOSE. Both are derived from plant sources (corn and sugar cane respectively) and contain no animal products. The texture and mouthfeel are maintained using PECTIN, GUM ARABIC, and ESTER GUM. Pectin is a plant fiber found in fruits, and Gum Arabic comes from the acacia tree. Ester gum is typically derived from vegetable oils. None of these are animal-based, so they do not pose a risk of containing pork fat or non-Halal beef gelatin.

Finally, the visual appeal comes from RED 40. This is a synthetic dye. While some Muslims avoid synthetic dyes due to debates over processing agents, mainstream Halal certification bodies generally consider Red 40 permissible as it does not contain animal derivatives. There are no animal-based colorings like Carmine listed.

Nutritional Value

While this drink is Halal, it is important to consider its nutritional profile. A 10 fl oz serving contains a significant amount of added sugar in the form of HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. This provides empty calories without substantial vitamins or minerals, aside from the added ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C).

Because it uses artificial sweeteners like SUCRALOSE alongside the corn syrup, it offers a sweet taste without adding complex carbohydrates. However, for those monitoring their sugar intake for weight management or diabetes, this beverage should be consumed in moderation. It fits within a diet as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.