Is Cultured Dairy Drink Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for in a product like this is the source of the protein and the processing agents. The primary ingredient here is CULTURED ULTRA-FILTERED NON FAT MILK. This is simply milk that has been passed through a fine filter to remove some water and lactose, concentrating the protein and calcium. It is a standard dairy processing technique and entirely Halal.

The fermentation process relies on YOGURT CULTURES (S. THERMOPHILUS & L. BULGARICUS). These are specific strains of bacteria used to turn milk into yogurt. They are plant-based microorganisms and pose no Halal issues. We also see WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, which is a byproduct of cheese making. Since the product contains milk and cream, the whey is derived from milk, making it permissible.

Regarding additives, the PECTIN used for texture is a plant-derived gelling agent, usually from citrus fruits. The color comes from ANNATTO EXTRACT, which is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. There are no animal-based red dyes (like carmine) or alcohols used in the flavoring or processing of this drink.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this drink is designed to be a high-protein, low-fat option. The use of ultra-filtered milk and whey protein concentrate significantly boosts the protein content without adding excessive fat. This makes it an excellent choice for muscle recovery or as a satiating snack.

Regarding sugar content, the product relies on the natural sugars found in milk (lactose) and uses STEVIA EXTRACT as a non-nutritive sweetener. This keeps the calorie count lower than traditional flavored milks or yogurt drinks. The addition of vitamins like VITAMIN D3 and RIBOFLAVIN enhances its value as a functional beverage, supporting bone health and energy metabolism.