Is Queso Puff Snacks Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I scrutinize ingredient lists for hidden non-Halal or allergenic components. For these Queso Puff Snacks, the formulation is surprisingly clean from a Halal compliance standpoint. The base is a blend of lentil flour, potato starch, and potato flour. These are plant-based carbohydrates and serve as the structural foundation of the puff. The fat source is cryoca do oil (likely a typo for a specific oil like coconut or canola in the source text), which is plant-derived.

The 'Queso' flavor profile is achieved through a complex seasoning blend. This includes sea salt, onion powder, tomato powder, and various chili powders like red chile and serrano. Crucially, the cheesy flavor is generated without dairy. The ingredients list nutritional yeast and mushroom powder, which are common vegan ingredients used to mimic a savory, cheesy umami flavor. There are no animal-derived enzymes or rennet typically found in real cheese. The acidity regulators are citric acid and lactic acid, which are generally derived from non-animal sources in this context and are considered Halal.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional perspective, a serving size of 1 oz (28g) contains 140 calories, which is standard for a snack of this size. The fat content is 8g (10% DV), with only 1g of saturated fat. This is a reasonable fat content, largely dependent on the type of oil used. The carbohydrate count is 17g (6% DV), with 1g of dietary fiber and 0g of sugar. The absence of added sugars is a significant health benefit, making these a better option than many sweet or glazed snacks. The protein content is 4g, which is decent for a puff snack, likely derived from the lentil flour. The sodium content is 370mg (16% DV), which is moderate but should be considered if you are on a strict low-sodium diet. Overall, these snacks fit well within a balanced diet as a savory, low-sugar treat.