Is Aioli Zesty Garlic Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Halal, we look beyond the front of the label and dive into the chemistry of the ingredients. For EXPELLER PRESSED CANOLA OIL, the source is purely plant-based, making it inherently Halal. This is the primary fat source, providing the creamy texture without using animal fats like lard, which is a common non-Halal culprit in spreads.

The acidity and preservation come from APPLE CIDER VINEGAR and LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE. Both are derived from fruit fermentation. While fermentation can sometimes be a concern regarding alcohol content, in these culinary contexts, the process results in acetic acid (vinegar) and citric acid, not intoxicating beverages. Therefore, they are safe.

Thickeners and flavorings are often where hidden non-Halal ingredients hide, but here they are safe. SOY PROTEIN is a plant-derived protein, and MUSTARD FLOUR is simply ground mustard seeds. The sweetness comes from BROWN RICE SYRUP, a natural sweetener derived from rice, which is completely Halal. There are no animal-derived enzymes or gelatin listed.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Aioli Zesty Garlic is relatively standard for a condiment. The base is EXPELLER PRESSED CANOLA OIL, which is high in monounsaturated fats. While these are considered 'healthier' fats compared to saturated fats, the product is still calorie-dense. A standard serving size usually contains around 60-80 calories, mostly from fat.

Sugar content is moderate due to the BROWN RICE SYRUP and LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE. While it isn't a 'low-carb' product, the amount of sugar per serving is generally low enough that it won't spike blood sugar drastically if used in moderation. It fits well into a balanced diet as a flavor enhancer rather than a main dish component.