Are Haribo Gummy Bears HALAL or HARAM in Islam (2024)

Haribo Gummy Bears are seemingly loved the world over; from the United States to Muslim countries like the United Arab Emirates. But a regular question seems to always surface in the Muslim world and that is whether Haribo products like gummy bears are halal or not.

The answer to this question is complex and encompasses an array of aspects, including the gelatin source, ingredients list, manufacturing facilities, halal certificate, and compliance with Islamic law. Let's delve in.

Firstly, who is Haribo? 🏭

Haribo is a renowned German confectionery company founded by Hans Riegel Sr. in 1920. The name "Haribo" is an abbreviation of the founder's name Hans Riegel Bonn.

The Haribo company manufactured its first gummy candy in 1960 and has now extended its huge product range to include sought-after products like Haribo Gold Bears, Haribo Sour Gummies, Haribo Fizzy Gummy Bears, Haribo Twin Cherries, Haribo Happy Cola Bottles Gummies, Haribo Rainbow Frogs, Haribo Starmix, and more.

Which ingredients do gummy bears have? 🧪

One of the essential components in the production of gummy candies is gelatin. The type of gelatin used can vary significantly, from beef to pork and even vegetarian options. Haribo's products use different types of gelatin depending on the manufacturing location.

In addition to halal beef gelatin or non-halal gelatin, other main ingredients include glucose syrup, citric acid, and artificial flavours. Carnauba wax, a natural substance extracted from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree, is a common ingredient used to impart shine to these delectable treats. The collaboration of these components creates the distinctive gummy texture loved by many.

Is gelatin halal or haram? ✅

Gelatin can be halal or haram depending on its source. Gelatin at its core is a protein that is made by boiling tendons, ligaments, bones or skin with water. The source of this animal product varies. Beef-derived gelatin can be either halal or not depending on whether the slaughtering of the animal (cow) followed and is in accordance with Islamic law.

Of course, bovine or pig-derived gelatin is haram or forbidden for Muslims to consume as all porcine material is haram.

“He has forbidden you only the Maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine…” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:173]

Is gelatin the same as gelatine? 💬

Yes. Both Gelatin and Gelatine have the same chemical properties and nutritional value, but the spelling Gelatine is more common in Europe and Asia, whereas Gelatin is used in North America and Australia.

Are Haribo gummy bears from Turkey halal? 🇹🇷

The differentiation between Turkish-made Haribo gummy bears and others lies in the careful selection of halal ingredients. The choice of beef gelatine instead of haram pork gelatine plays a pivotal role in defining the halal nature of these products. While the products manufactured in Turkey adhere to halal standards and fall under the strict supervision of the Turkish authorities, the gummy bears produced in countries like France utilise pork-derived gelatin, categorising them as non-halal.

Haribo gummy bears produced in Turkey utilize halal beef gelatin, slaughtered under legal means, aligning with Islamic law.

This contrast underlines the importance of recognizing the source of animal tissues used in food production. It also emphasizes the need for transparent labeling and adherence to halal guidelines, allowing Muslim consumers to make informed choices.

The quality of halal Haribo gummy bears and halal-certified gummies produced in Turkey stands out due to the choice of ingredients, manufacturing process, and adherence to the halal diet. The use of bovine gelatin ensures that the products are 100% halal, coupled with additional natural ingredients like fruit juice.

The texture is another distinguishing factor. Turkish-made Haribo gummy candies are softer, less sweet, and exhibit a more fruity flavour, reflecting a unique culinary approach. Conversely, gummies manufactured in other countries may be chewier, reflecting the different flavours and types of gelatin used.

What is the manufacturing process of a gummy bear? 👩🏽‍🔬

A gummy bear is made from a mixture of sugar, glucose syrup, starch, flavouring, food colouring, citric acid and gelatin. A starch mogul is used to stamp the image of a gummy bear into a tray filled with powdered starch. Then a hot liquid mixture of ingredients is poured into this mould, then cooled.

Once set, the gummy bears are extracted from the mould, packaged and sold.

Within Haribo's production facilities, hygiene is paramount, especially in Turkey, where the manufacturing process aligns with the principles of halal foods. The workers adhere to rigorous hygiene protocols, including wearing hairnets, gloves, and overshoes. This meticulous attention to detail transcends mere cleanliness, aligning with the broader pursuit of halal food production.

Where can you buy Haribo gummy bears? 🌎

From the bustling malls of the United States to the traditional bazaars of Egypt and other Muslim-majority countries, Haribo products have found a place on shelves. Turkish-made Haribo products are marked as "HELAL" on packaging and are suitable for Muslims to consume as Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country. The availability of these gummy candies ensures that those adhering to Islamic dietary laws can indulge in these treats without compromising their religious beliefs.

This accessibility extends to various products within the Haribo gummies range, such as Haribo Tangfastics Halal. The diversity in offerings, including the variety of flavours and even vegetarian options, caters to different tastes and preferences within the parameters of halal dietary guidelines.

What do Islamic scholars say about gummy bears being haram? 👳🏽‍♂️

Consensus by Islamic scholars in 2023 is that gummy bears can only be halal if the gelatin used to make them is sourced from a halal or lawfully-killed animal.

Muslims should always prioritise their worldly wellbeing, as it says in the Holy Quran:

"And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]" (Quran 2:195)

This verse seeks to emphasise the importance of protecting oneself from harm.

So, are Haribo gummy bears halal? 🤔

The consideration of what makes food products halal is derived from the Arabic word for permissible. Halal foods align with Islamic dietary law, avoiding haram (forbidden) substances such as pork and alcohol. Some sweets like Sour Patch Kids don't contain any of those haram ingredients. In the case of Haribo's gummy candies, this distinction is significant, as the company offers halal-certified products that abide by these principles.

The presence of a Halal certificate on the bottom half of the back of the Haribo package is not merely symbolic. It carries profound implications for Muslim consumers, attesting that the product complies with Islamic dietary law. Certified by the European Halal Certification Institute, this seal signifies that both the ingredients and the production line have been meticulously evaluated to meet halal standards.

The world of food products is rich and varied, and Haribo stands as a beacon in the confectionery industry. Their commitment to different dietary needs, from the use of white beeswax to corn syrup, underscores a dedication to quality and consumer choice. 

The question "Are Haribo Gummy Bears halal?" is multifaceted, hinging on factors such as the country of production, gelatin source (which is also the debate in whether Starburst is halal or haram), and adherence to Islamic law. Turkish-made Haribo products, with their use of halal beef gelatin, absence of pork byproducts, and adherence to halal guidelines, stand as certified halal.

If the gelatin found in a Haribo Gummy Bear is sourced from an animal not slaughtered according to Islamic principles, or from a pig, then it is haram and not fit for Muslim consumption.
However if the Haribo Gummies are specifically from Turkey and show a HELAL or Halal-certified logo, then they are permissible for Muslims to consume and are indeed halal.