Is Organic 21 Grains & Seeds Sliced Bread Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product for Halal compliance, we look beyond the obvious. While this bread is packed with wholesome ingredients like organic whole wheat flour, organic sunflower seed, and organic flaxseed, the devil is often in the details—or in this case, the processing aids.

The primary flag in this ingredient list is microbial enzyme. In the baking industry, enzymes are used to improve dough handling and crumb structure. While the word 'microbial' suggests a bacterial or fungal origin, which is generally Halal, the specific substrate used to grow these microbes is not listed. If the fermentation medium contained alcohol or animal derivatives, the enzyme would not be considered Halal. Without a specific Halal certification on the package, this ingredient remains the single biggest hurdle.

Fortunately, the rest of the list is clean. There is no lard, butter, or milk powder. The organic cane sugar and organic molasses are plant-derived. The grains, including organic spelt flakes, organic barley flakes, and organic kamut khorasan flour, are all permissible. However, for strict Halal adherence, the enzyme issue must be resolved by the manufacturer.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this bread is a powerhouse. It offers a diverse profile of organic chickpea flour and organic buckwheat flour, providing a robust amino acid profile and high fiber content. The inclusion of seeds like organic pumpkin seed and organic sesame seed adds healthy fats and minerals.

Regarding dietary limits, the sugar content is relatively low, primarily coming from organic cane sugar and organic molasses. It fits well within a balanced diet. The calorie count is standard for a hearty slice of whole-grain bread, making it a suitable option for those managing weight who need sustained energy from complex carbohydrates.