Is Kids assorted soft & chewy candy Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a candy is Halal, we look for specific red flags: gelatin (often pork-derived), enzymes derived from animals, or alcohol used in flavorings. Fortunately, the ingredient profile for this specific Kids assorted soft & chewy candy is very clean from a Halal perspective.

The primary ingredients are sugar, invert sugar, and corn syrup. These are simple carbohydrates derived from plants (sugar cane or beets, and corn) and are inherently Halal. Modified corn starch is also plant-based and acts as the thickening agent to give the candy its chewy texture.

For acidity and tartness, the manufacturer uses tartaric acid and citric acid. Both of these are mineral or plant-derived acids and do not pose any Halal concerns. The flavorings are listed as natural and artificial flavors. Without specific sourcing details, these are generally considered safe, as most artificial flavorings in US-manufactured candies are synthetic and not derived from animal sources. Finally, the colors Yellow 6, Red 40, and Yellow 5 are synthetic dyes and are permissible.

Nutritional Value

While this candy is Halal, it is important to view it through a nutritional lens. The label indicates that a serving contains 24g of added sugars, which accounts for 48% of the daily value. This is a significant amount of sugar for a small serving size, typical of soft chews.

On the positive side, the candy is fat-free and contains no cholesterol or sodium. However, it offers no significant vitamins, minerals, or protein. It fits into a diet only as an occasional treat rather than a source of sustenance. For those managing blood sugar or caloric intake, this candy should be consumed in moderation despite being Halal compliant.