Q: 83 – Title: Is vanilla extract Halaal?

Question

Is vanilla extract halal for consumption when used in other food products e.g. chocolate or other foods.

Is vanilla flavoured foods e.g. yoghurt, drinks, ice cream halal because I have heard vanilla is extracted using alcohol?
Jazakallah for your time

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh.

There are different types of vanilla extracts and vanilla flavored foods including the processing structures such as cold processing, etc. Therefore, we cannot issue a general ruling on the permissibility or impermissibility of Vanilla extracts.

In order for us to issue a ruling, kindly specify the specific type of Vanilla Extract/vanilla flavored food and the manufacturing company you are referring to.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Ismail Desai,
Student Darul Iftaa
Durban, South Africa
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.