A Reminder

As salaamu alaikum to all,

I know it's been disgustingly long since I updated this blog, and I really do apologize for that and inshaAllah my intention is to get back into things.

First, I wanted to remind everyone (once again, even though it's already on the site for those who are quick to talk without reading) that this blog isn't meant to say THIS FOOD IS HALAL or THIS FOOD IS HARAM, as I am not knowledgeable enough to say that I can only speak for myself and my family and what we choose to use or not use. But rather it sheds light on which ingredients are in certain foods and which are not, to help people decide based on the opinion they follow if they'd like to continue consuming/using a product or not. The most followed opinion is that once there is alcohol or animal byproducts in food or even body care products it's not permissible, however there ARE other opinions. So sometimes the site will seem to be slanted in the direction of the views I favor, but no need to come battle it out with your view, this blog is for informational purposes.

I'd also like to thank the readers who follow up on certain products, within the comment sections you will see some people who took the time out to contact certain companies received additional information regarding items and I'm thankful that they are being active themselves and sharing their finds with us.

I also never thought when I first started this site that it would be helpful to people other than Muslims, which I can't believe I overlooked. So for our vegetarian, vegan, Hindu, and Jewish contributors out there, thanks a bunch! And I hope this site caters to your needs as well!

"More Ovaltine Please!"

Good news for my husband - the Ovaltine addict =)

"...Ovaltine is Kosher OUD. This means it contains dairy but no other animal products..."

(This includes all their varieties: Rich Chocolate, Chocolate Malt, & Classic Malt)

Halal Gummies & Starbursts

A lot of people have been emailing me and asking if I have any halal gummies in stock, and the answer is YES, alhamdulillah. I also have Starbursts too. The gummies I currently have are the softest ones I've ever tried mashaAllah! You can place your order through this website inshaAllah, and you can check out the other products:
http://shopthesouq.com/category/halal-snacks/

Shaikh Abdullah Hakim Quick's family's home was damaged by a fire this weekend!

Click here to read up on what happened and how YOU can help, inshaAllah

Nature's Gate Haircare

Nature's Gate haircare is both animal byproduct and alcohol free, alhamdulillah (this information can be found on the bottle too)

I bought a set of the shampoo and conditioner yesterday and used it for the first time today. My hair is definitely a bit softer than it was before, so hopefully this shampoo is a keeper! My body and hair tends to get used to things very quickly, but hopefully it won't get used to this set inshaAllah. It had a very faint, fresh, and natural smell to it.. which I really like. I don't like those neon colored shampoos that have really strong smells, this is one was really nice mashaAllah.

After checking out their website, I see they carry a line of organic products too as well as oral care, body care, and more products. I paid less than $11 for both the shampoo and conditioner, online it's a big more expensive though. Check around at your local store for it. I found it sitting in a corner with some other animal byproduct free shampoos. However, some of them shot up to even $30+ per bottle! Yikes!N

Mystery Animal Source in Cheetos

Hi Lazeena,

Thank you for writing to us. The list on our website is a list of products that DO NOT contain pork. The enzyme used to make the cheese used in Cheetos Crunchy is from an animal source, but not pork.

Most cheese is made using animal enzymes animal. The source of the enzyme lends to the flavor of the cheese.

We consider you a valued consumer and hope you will continue to enjoy snacks from Frito-Lay.

Best regards,
"B"Frito-Lay Consumer Affairs

This is not the first time Cheetos has told me about 'other animal ingredients' in their Cheetos. In 2 previous e-mails they've told me the same exact thing. Also, whenever I inquire about what specific animal they tell me 'not pork' or 'if you have any allergies or religious dietary restrictions please avoid eating Cheetos'

Skittles

I'm sure to most of you this is old news by now. Skittles indeed have been gelatin-free since around January, but there are still some people slowly finding out about it and rejoicing that they are now able to taste the rainbow alhamdulillah haha.

However, most likely there is a small trace of alcohol in it, for those who are wary of alcohol in foods, wAllahu ta'ala alam.