But, if a version of candy corn is made without gelatin or other non-Halal ingredients, it could be considered Halal and allowed for Muslims. The key is to carefully check the ingredients and verify they meet Halal standards.
Ingredients Analysis of Brach’s Candy Corn
Many Muslims wonder if popular candies like Brach’s Candy Corn are Halal. To help clear up any confusion, we have carefully checked the ingredients and compared them with Islamic food guidelines. We also got official screenshots of the ingredient list to make sure everything is clear and accurate.
Our research examines all the ingredients in Brach’s Candy Corn. We check each ingredient to see if it is Halal or Haram. This detailed analysis is intended to help Muslims make informed choices about their food.
1. Sugar (Halal)
Sugar is a key ingredient in candy, responsible for its sweetness. It is halal and taken from sugarcane or sugar beets. Sugar also gives the candy its firm yet slightly grainy texture, which is important for its structure.
2. Corn Syrup (Halal)
Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. It prevents the crystallization of sugar, making sure the candy remains smooth and chewy. It is plant-based and halal.
3. Confectioner’s Glaze (Haram)
Shellac provides the candy with a shiny, polished finish. Unfortunately, it came from lac bugs, making it haram. This ingredient is one of the main reasons Brach’s Candy Corn is not permissible for Muslims.
4. Salt (Halal)
Salt improves the flavor by balancing the sweetness of the candy. It is a natural mineral and is always halal.
5. Dextrose (Halal)
Dextrose, a type of sugar from corn, adds sweetness and helps preserve the candy’s texture. It is halal and commonly used in many processed foods.
6. Gelatin (Haram)
Gelatin is used to provide the candy with its chewy texture. In Brach’s Candy Corn, the gelatin is extracted from pork, making it haram. This is another ingredient that makes the candy impermissible for us in Islam.
7. Sesame Oil (Halal)
Sesame oil adds a mild flavor and helps bind the ingredients together. It is obtained from sesame seeds and is halal. Sesame oil is also a natural ingredient, making it a safe option for halal consumption.
8. Artificial Flavor (Halal)
They are added to enhance the taste of the candy. These flavors mimic natural ones and are considered halal unless derived from non-halal sources. In the case of Brach’s Candy Corn, they are generally halal.
9. Honey (Halal)
Honey is a natural sweetener that improves the flavor and texture of the candy. It is halal and widely consumed in Islamic dietary practices.
10. Food Dyes (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 3) (Halal)
Yellow 6, Yellow 5, and Red 3 are synthetic food dyes used to give the candy its vibrant colors. These dyes are commonly used in many food products and are halal. They are safe for consumption and do not contain any non-halal ingredients.
Here is the proof of all the ingredients used to make this candy mentioned on their official website:
Based on our complete ingredient analysis, Candy Corn is categorically Haram due to the presence of pork-generated gelatin and other non-Halal ingredients.
Read more important halal or haram articles below:
- Is Laffy Taffy (Candy) Halal Or Haram?
- Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Halal?
- Are Funyuns Halal Or Haram?
Why Confectioner’s Glaze & Gelatin Considered Haram
In Islam, consuming halal (permissible) food is an important part of following Allah’s guidance. Two ingredients in Brach’s Candy Corn, Gelatin and Confectioner’s Glaze (Shellac), are considered haram.
Below, we explain why they are haram and why Muslims are advised to avoid them:
Gelatin From Pork
Gelatin is mostly obtained from animal collagen, typically extracted from the skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones of animals. In most commercial products like Brach’s Candy Corn, gelatin is sourced from pork, which makes it strictly Haram in Islam.
The primary reasons for its prohibition include:
- Pork Source: Islamic law categorically forbids the consumption of any pork-related products.
- Animal Slaughter Method: If the animal is not slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines (Zabiha), its byproducts remain in Haram.
- Transformation Process: Most Islamic scholars maintain their original prohibited status even if the gelatin undergoes chemical transformation.
When Can Gelatin Be Considered Halal?
Gelatin can potentially be considered Halal under these specific conditions:
- Sourced from Halal-certified animals (cattle or sheep)
- Slaughtered according to Islamic Shariah guidelines
- Processed under strict Islamic supervision
- Certified by recognized Islamic food authorities
Confectioner’s Glaze/Shellac (E904)
Confectioner’s Glaze, known by its code E904, gives candies a shiny, polished coating. It is made from the secretions of lac bugs, a type of insect found in trees.
Its Haram status stems from:
- Animal Origin: Derived directly from insect secretions
- Extraction Process: Involves killing insects during harvesting
- Lack of Nutritional Necessity: Not essential for human consumption
- Potential Contamination: May involve non-Halal processing methods
This ingredient cannot be made halal because it is entirely obtained from insects, which is not permissible according to Islamic dietary laws.
Why Are Muslims Guided to Avoid These Ingredients?
Muslims are guided to avoid haram ingredients for several reasons rooted in faith, health, ethics, and spiritual well-being.
Below are additional points explaining why avoiding these ingredients is crucial:
- Following Allah’s Command: The Quran instructs Muslims to avoid consuming haram (forbidden) substances, including pork and any impure or unclean items.
- Spiritual Purity: Consuming halal food helps maintain spiritual and physical purity, a fundamental aspect of Islamic life.
- Health Concerns: While the main reason for avoiding these ingredients is based on religious guidance, consuming haram ingredients can also raise ethical and health-related questions for some individuals.
- Avoiding Doubts (Istihsan): In Islam, when there’s doubt about the permissibility of a food item, Muslims are encouraged to avoid it to stay on the safe side. This makes sure that no harmful substances are accidentally consumed.
- Physical Health: Haram ingredients, like pork or certain additives, are considered impure and potentially harmful. Avoiding these verifies that Muslims consume pure, clean, and beneficial food that aligns with Islamic teachings.
Other Well-Known Halal Candies Option
Here is a list of some halal candies you can enjoy, excluding candy corn:
- Sour Patch Kids
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
- Swedish Fish
- Twizzlers
- Dots Candies
- Skittles (Some of the flavors are not halal please check the ingredients list)
- Airheads (Mostly halal but watch out for haram flavors)
- Dum Dums Lollipops
- Laffy Taffy (Some flavors are haram)
- Tootsie Roll and Tootsie Pop
You can read more about these candies above in detail by clicking the link below:
In the End
Our Muslim community must remain vigilant about the ingredients in everyday consumables like Brach’s Candy Corn. By knowing the Islamic dietary guidelines and carefully examining product ingredients, we can make informed choices that align with our faith.
May Allah guide us in making halal choices that protect our spiritual and physical well-being, and grant us the wisdom to seek permissible alternatives that bring joy without compromising our religious principles.
