Is Old World Hard Salami Deli Sliced Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing on the front of the package to the chemistry on the back. The ingredient list for Old World Hard Salami Deli Sliced is a classic example of a cured meat product, but it contains one specific ingredient that immediately disqualifies it from being Halal.

The very first ingredient listed is PORK. In the food industry, ingredients are listed by weight, meaning pork is the primary component of this salami. In Islamic dietary laws (Zabihah), pork and its by-products are strictly forbidden (Haram). Therefore, regardless of the other spices or curing agents used, the presence of pork makes the product non-Halal.

Beyond the pork, the product contains BEEF and standard curing agents like SODIUM NITRITE and SODIUM ASCORBATE. While beef can be Halal, it is often mixed with pork in processed meats, rendering the entire product non-compliant unless the beef itself is certified Halal and processed on dedicated equipment—which is not the case here. The inclusion of FLAVORINGS and SPICE adds to the taste profile, but they cannot override the primary status of the pork.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Old World Hard Salami Deli Sliced is a calorie-dense food high in fat and sodium. A typical serving contains a significant amount of saturated fat, which is common for cured pork and beef products. It also contains added sugars in the form of DEXTROSE, which feeds the lactic acid starter culture during the fermentation process but adds to the overall calorie count.

While it provides a concentrated source of protein, the high sodium content (derived from salt and sodium nitrite) makes it something to consume in moderation. For those monitoring their sodium intake or looking for lean protein sources, this salami is not an ideal choice. It fits into a diet as an occasional indulgence rather than a staple protein source.