Is Garluc Parmesan seasoning Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a seasoning is Halal, we look for specific red flags like animal enzymes, alcohol, or hidden pork derivatives. In the case of Garluc Parmesan seasoning, the profile is surprisingly clean. The primary flavor agents are salt, dried garlic, and dried onion, which are naturally Halal. The savory depth comes from parmesan cheese, spices, and yeast extract.

The dairy components, including parmesan cheese, butter powder, whey powder, and buttermilk powder, are all permissible. While some cheeses use animal rennet, commercial parmesan in the US is typically made with microbial or vegetable-based enzymes, making it Halal compliant. The use of maltodextrin and rice concentrate as fillers and anti-caking agents is standard and poses no issue. The only preservative listed is potassium sorbate, which is synthetic and Halal. There are no flags found in this blend.

Nutritional Value

While the seasoning is Halal, it is important to consider its nutritional impact. The inclusion of sugar and maltodextrin adds to the carbohydrate count, though the serving size is likely small. The parmesan cheese, butter powder, and cream contribute to the fat content, specifically saturated fat. However, because this is a seasoning, you typically use only a teaspoon or two at a time. This keeps the calorie and fat intake relatively low per serving. It fits well into most diet limits, provided you monitor your total daily sodium intake, as salt is the first ingredient listed.