Is Checkerboard einkorn organic cookies Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a baked good is Halal, we look for the absence of alcohol, pork (lard), and carnivorous animal by-products. The Organic Einkorn Flour used in these cookies is simply an ancient variety of wheat. It is naturally plant-based and contains no gluten-related processing agents that would be a concern for Halal certification, such as brewer's yeast extract containing alcohol.

The sweetener used is Organic Cane Sugar. A common concern in the food industry is the use of bone char in sugar refining. However, organic sugar is strictly regulated and cannot be processed with bone char. Therefore, this ingredient is compliant. The fat source, Organic Palm Fruit Oil, is purely plant-derived, eliminating the risk of animal fats like lard often found in commercial cookies.

Finally, the inclusion of Organic Eggs is permissible in a Halal diet. The leavening agents—monocalcium phosphate and baking soda—are chemical agents that function as raising agents and contain no animal products. There are no flavorings or emulsifiers derived from animal sources listed.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these cookies rely on Organic Cane Sugar as a primary ingredient, which contributes to the total carbohydrate count. While they use whole grain einkorn flour, which offers slightly more protein and fiber than refined white flour, they should still be viewed as a treat rather than a staple food.

The Organic Palm Fruit Oil provides a soft texture but is a concentrated source of fat. For those monitoring their caloric intake, portion control is key. These cookies fit into a balanced diet as an indulgence, offering a cleaner ingredient profile compared to conventional cookies that may use artificial preservatives or hydrogenated oils.