Is Fred Meyer Italian bread Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Halal, the devil is in the details. We analyzed the specific ingredients in Fred Meyer's Italian bread to look for hidden animal products or alcohol-based additives. The primary ingredients are enriched flour (wheat), water, and yeast, which are all naturally Halal. The scrutiny usually falls on the '2% or less' category.

Ingredients like DATEM (Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides) and soybean oil often cause confusion. DATEM is a dough conditioner derived from vegetable oil and tartaric acid (from grapes); it is plant-based and permissible. Similarly, vital wheat gluten is simply the protein from wheat, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is used as a natural leavening aid. There are no traces of lard, gelatin, or alcohol in this formulation.

Furthermore, the preservatives used, such as lactic acid and acetic acid, are organic acids that can be derived from fermentation of sugars or plant sources. They are generally recognized as safe and Halal. The absence of mono- and diglycerides derived from animal fat confirms that Fred Meyer has kept this recipe vegetarian-friendly, and by extension, Halal.

Nutritional Value

While Halal status is cleared, the nutritional profile of this Italian bread is standard for commercial white bread. It is a source of carbohydrates primarily from enriched flour and dextrose. The caloric density is moderate, making it a quick energy source, but it lacks significant fiber compared to whole-grain alternatives.

The sodium content, derived from salt and sodium benzoate (often found in similar breads, though not listed here, the salt content is the main watch-out), should be monitored if you are on a low-sodium diet. The inclusion of soybean oil adds a minimal amount of fat. Overall, it fits into a standard diet as a staple carbohydrate, but for those strictly monitoring sugar intake, note that dextrose is a form of sugar added to feed the yeast and brown the crust.