Is Goma De Grenetina Gelatin Gum Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing on the front of the package and go straight to the ingredient label. For Goma De Grenetina Gelatin Gum, the formulation is fairly standard for a Western-style gummy candy, but it contains one specific ingredient that makes it incompatible with a Halal diet.

The primary culprit is Gelatin. In the food industry, gelatin is a hydrocolloid derived from the collagen in animal skin and bones. It provides that signature chewy texture we love in gums and gummies. However, the source of this gelatin is rarely specified on generic packaging. In the vast majority of cases, commercial gelatin is derived from pork. In other instances, it comes from beef, but unless the cattle were slaughtered according to Islamic rites (Zabiha), the product remains non-Halal. Without a specific Halal certification logo on the packaging, you cannot guarantee the gelatin source.

The rest of the ingredients are generally permissible, though they are highly processed. Sugar and Corn Syrup provide the sweetness, while Artificial Flavors and FD&C Red 40 and Yellow #5 provide the sensory experience. While some strict scholars debate the permissibility of artificial colors (as some can be derived from insects like cochineal), the colors listed here—Red 40 and Yellow 5—are synthetic and generally considered safe and Halal. However, the presence of Titanium Oxide (a whitening agent) has faced scrutiny in the EU recently for safety concerns, though it is still permitted in the US. Regardless of the safety of the colors, the gelatin remains the dealbreaker.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Goma De Grenetina Gelatin Gum is essentially empty calories. The product is composed almost entirely of simple carbohydrates. The first two ingredients listed are Sugar and Corn Syrup, meaning the product is high-glycemic and will spike blood sugar levels rapidly.

There is virtually no fiber, protein, or healthy fats in this gum. While the gelatin technically provides trace amounts of protein, the quantity is negligible compared to the massive sugar load. If you are managing your weight or monitoring your sugar intake, this product does not fit a healthy diet. It is designed as a recreational treat, not a nutritional supplement.