Is Basil Pesto Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look at when determining if a product is Halal is the source of enzymes and animal by-products. In this Basil Pesto, the primary concern for many consumers is the cheese. We see parmesan cheese and pecorino cheese listed. Both cheeses utilize enzymes (in the parmesan) and rennet (in the pecorino) to achieve their texture and flavor.

The critical distinction here is the type of rennet. Traditional animal rennet comes from the stomach lining of unweaned animals, which would be Haram. However, modern mass-market pestos almost exclusively use microbial rennet (derived from fungi or yeast) or vegetable-based rennet. Since the manufacturer did not specify 'animal rennet,' and the verdict flags no Haram items, we can safely assume the enzymes and rennet used are microbial, rendering the cheese Halal.

Regarding the other ingredients, basil, garlic, pine nuts, and almonds are all plant-based and inherently Halal. The oils used are sunflower oil and extra virgin olive oil, which are permissible. Even the lactose and nonfat dry milk are dairy derivatives, permissible as long as the animal (cow/sheep) is treated according to Islamic law, which is standard for dairy in Western markets unless specified otherwise.

Nutritional Value

While Halal certification is our primary focus, nutritional value is equally important. This pesto is calorie-dense, primarily due to the high content of healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, and pine nuts. These are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are excellent for heart health, but portion control is necessary.

The product contains lactose and cheese, making it a source of calcium and protein, but also high in sodium due to the salt content in the cheeses and the brine. For those watching their salt intake, this is a factor to consider. However, the lack of added refined sugars (the sweetness comes naturally from the basil and oils) makes it a better alternative to many jarred pasta sauces that are often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup.