Is Key Ingredient Market, Port Wine Cheddar Spread Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I analyze ingredients to determine their suitability for specific dietary needs. For this spread, the verdict comes down to two specific ingredients: Port Wine and Natural Red Wine Coloring.

The core of the product is a standard cheese spread consisting of Cheddar Cheese, Cream, and various whey products. These are dairy-based and generally acceptable. However, the flavor profile relies on alcohol. The ingredient Port Wine is explicitly listed. Furthermore, the ingredient Natural Red Wine Coloring is derived from red wine. In Islamic dietary laws (Halal), the consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden. This prohibition extends to ingredients where alcohol is a primary component, such as wine used for flavoring or coloring. Because the product contains these wine-derived ingredients, it cannot be certified as Halal.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this spread is a high-fat, calorie-dense food. It contains a significant amount of saturated fat from the Cream and Cheddar Cheese. It also contains added sugars and salt, which contribute to its savory taste. While it provides a source of calcium and protein from the dairy, it should be consumed in moderation, especially by those monitoring their calorie or sodium intake. It does not offer significant vitamins or minerals beyond what is naturally found in dairy.