Does Cilantro lime crema contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy (sour cream, buttermilk, cheese). It does not appear to contain gluten ingredients, but it is not certified gluten-free.

Is Cilantro lime crema good for weight loss?

At 40 calories per serving with 0g of sugar, it is a diet-friendly condiment, provided you stick to the serving size.

Where can I buy Cilantro lime crema?

Reser's brand is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and Amazon.

Is Cilantro lime crema safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids as it contains no caffeine or artificial sweeteners. However, it does contain dairy and soy, which are common allergens.

Is Cilantro lime crema Halal?

NO. Based on the ingredient label analysis, Reser's Cilantro lime crema is not considered Halal. The primary disqualifying ingredient is wine vinegar, which is strictly prohibited in Islamic dietary laws. While some ingredients like gelatin are derived from beef, the presence of alcohol renders the final product impermissible.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I analyze ingredient lists to determine compliance with specific dietary standards. When looking at the ingredients for this Cilantro lime crema, specifically the Reser's brand, there are two major flags that prevent it from being Halal.

The first and most significant issue is the presence of wine vinegar. This ingredient appears in two places: in the lite mayonnaise component and again in the buttermilk component. While culinary vinegar is often a subject of debate among scholars, wine vinegar is explicitly derived from wine (an intoxicant), and standard Halal certification guidelines strictly prohibit it. Even though the acidity changes the chemical composition, the origin from a non-Halal source makes it impermissible for strict adherence.

The second ingredient to note is gelatin. The label lists gelatin in the sour cream component. In this specific product, the gelatin is derived from beef. However, for a product to be truly Halal, the beef gelatin must come from an animal that was slaughtered according to Islamic rites (Zabihah). Since this product lacks Halal certification, we cannot verify the slaughter method of the beef used for the gelatin.

Finally, the product contains cotija cheese. This is a Mexican cheese that is traditionally made using animal rennet. Rennet is an enzyme taken from the stomach lining of a young calf, sheep, or goat. If the rennet is not sourced from a Halal slaughtered animal, the cheese is not permissible. Again, without certification, this remains a gray area that leans toward non-Halal.

Additionally, the label states the product contains soy. While soy is generally Halal, it is a common allergen and is worth noting for those with dietary restrictions unrelated to religious observance.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wine

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Cilantro lime crema is a moderate-calorie condiment. A serving size of 2 tablespoons (30g) contains 40 calories. This is relatively low for a creamy sauce, making it a reasonable option for flavor enhancement without excessive caloric intake.

The fat content is 3g total fat per serving, with 1.5g being saturated fat. This accounts for about 8% of the daily value based on a standard 2,000-calorie diet. It is not a low-fat product, but the amount is standard for a dairy-based crema. There is 1g of protein and 5mg of cholesterol, which is quite low.

Sodium is a consideration here, with 200mg per serving. This represents about 9% of the daily value. If you are watching your blood pressure or sodium intake, you would need to account for this, especially since sauces are often used generously. Interestingly, the label indicates 0g of added sugars and 0g of total sugar, which is excellent for those monitoring sugar intake or following a keto diet.