Is unicorn fruity snacks Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always tell consumers that the first step to understanding a product is to look past the marketing and dive into the formula. For these unicorn fruity snacks, the ingredient list is short but contains one critical red flag for the Halal community.

The primary ingredients—corn syrup, sugar, and apple puree concentrate—are standard for fruit snacks. They provide the sweetness and chewy texture we expect. However, the inclusion of gelatin is the deal-breaker. Gelatin is a protein derived from the collagen in animal skin, bones, and connective tissues. It is used ubiquitously in gummy snacks to create their signature bounce and chew.

The source of this gelatin is the critical factor. While it can be derived from beef or fish, it is most commonly sourced from pork. In the absence of a specific Halal or Kosher certification on the packaging, you must assume the gelatin is not from a Halal-slaughtered source, rendering the product impermissible to consume.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these snacks are primarily composed of sugars. The first two ingredients listed are corn syrup and sugar, indicating that sugar is the dominant component by weight. This means the product is high in calories and carbohydrates but offers very little in terms of vitamins, minerals, or fiber, despite the mention of fruit puree.

For individuals monitoring their sugar intake for weight management or health conditions like diabetes, these snacks are not a suitable choice. They provide a quick spike in blood glucose without offering sustained energy or nutritional benefits. While delicious as an occasional treat, they should not be considered a health food or a regular part of a balanced diet.