Is Crumbled Feta Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a cheese is Halal, the primary focus is usually on the source of the rennet—the enzyme that coagulates the milk. In the case of this specific Crumbled Feta, the ingredient list specifies Microbial Enzymes. This is the key indicator. Microbial enzymes are derived from fungi, yeast, or bacteria, rather than the stomach lining of animals. Therefore, they are universally accepted as Halal.

Next, we look at the texture enhancer, Potato Starch. This ingredient is added to prevent the cheese crumbles from clumping together in the package. Potato starch is a plant-based carbohydrate and poses no religious dietary restrictions. It is simply a flow agent. Finally, the core ingredients of Pasteurized Milk, Salt, and Cheese Cultures are naturally Halal. The cultures are simply the bacteria used to ferment the milk, which is a standard dairy process.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Crumbled Feta is a dense source of nutrients. It is high in protein and calcium due to the Pasteurized Milk content. However, because it is a cheese, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. The Salt content is significant, which is typical for feta to achieve that signature briny flavor. For those monitoring their caloric intake, feta is generally lower in calories per serving compared to harder cheeses like cheddar, but portion control is still necessary. The addition of Potato Starch adds a negligible amount of carbohydrates and does not significantly impact the glycemic load of the food.