Is Multigrain table crackers Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Halal, we look for three main red flags: alcohol, pork, and non-Halal animal enzymes. Looking at the ingredients for these Multigrain table crackers, the base is entirely plant-based. You have a robust blend of flours including whole millet flour, sorghum flour, buckwheat flour, and flax seed flour. These provide the texture and fiber without any animal involvement.

The fats used are palm fat and sunflower oil. Both are plant-derived and perfectly Halal. For leavening, the crackers use baking soda and ammonium bicarbonate. While ammonium bicarbonate (known as hartshorn) was historically derived from animal antlers, modern food-grade ammonium bicarbonate is synthetically produced and is considered Halal and vegan. There is no gelatin, lard, or glycerin derived from animals in this recipe.

Finally, the flavorings and acids are synthetic or plant-based. Natural rosemary flavor is used for taste, and citric acid acts as a preservative. Neither poses a Halal concern. The sugar sources (rice syrup, beet syrup) are free from alcohol. Therefore, the product passes the Halal test with no flags.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these crackers are a dense source of energy. The primary ingredients are flours and starches, meaning the majority of calories come from carbohydrates. The inclusion of whole grains and flax seed adds dietary fiber, which is excellent for digestion and helps regulate blood sugar spikes compared to refined white flour crackers.

Regarding fats, the product contains vegetable fats and oils. While palm fat is plant-based, it is still a saturated fat, so moderation is key if you are monitoring heart health. The sugar content is relatively low, relying on rice syrup and beet syrup rather than refined white sugar, which provides a slightly slower energy release. However, because these crackers are dry and calorie-dense, portion control is important for weight management.