Are Oreo Biscuits Halal?

Many Muslims in different countries eat Oreo cookies. We love them too because they are delicious and not too expensive. However, the question for us Muslims is whether these cookies are Halal. We have asked this question a few times while shopping in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan. In many cases, the shopkeepers did not know the answer. However, a large number of news organizations and websites such as Quora have discussed this issue extensively.

Let us try to answer this question once and for all, as it may be of interest to millions of Muslims around the world who regularly buy Oreo cookies.

Related: Is Cooking with Alcohol Halal?

Are Oreo Biscuits (Cookies) Halal?

People on the internet have been discussing the ingredients of Oreo biscuits for some time now. Many of them contend that these cookies contain alcohol.  A Muslim lady named Soraya Sheikh Al-Balad sent an email to Mondelēz International, the manufacturer of the biscuits to make sure that the Oreo products were Halal prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. The company clarified the issue by stating that the “Halal certification of the product is approved, according to the country in which it is made,” pointing out that “two countries where Oreo is not subject to Halal standards.” are the US and Canada.

The company noted that: “Oreos are not halal-certified in the USA and Canada…so we recommend users to always check the Oreo ingredients and label, to ensure they are suitable for their dietary habits”. Oreo also said that although the official product is not Halal-certified, it does not contain pork or animal, or any other haram ingredients. Their website seems to reiterate the same point. Even the minuscule quantities of alcohol they use to manufacture these products are evaporated almost immediately during the manufacturing process.

The company explained to Ms. Al Balad that Oreo cookies do contain alcohol, but in a small percentage,” adding that “when alcohol is used in our products in a large amount, the line of ingredients will be marked, However, when using vanilla extract we put in the profiles the presence of vanilla in the product, but due to the presence of alcohol in a minute amount, it will not be written. It is important to note that almost all alcohol from the extract, evaporates during the baking process.

Related: Is Wingstop Halal?

Do Oreo Biscuits Contain Fat and Pork Milk?

Some time ago, there was an infographic widely circulated on the Internet that Cadbury’s Oreo biscuit contains “fat and pork milk.” Based on this viral infographic on social media channels, Muslims were advised not to consume these biscuits as all pork derivatives are completely forbidden in Islam.

However, later it was confirmed that the viral infographic had no basis.

Oreo Biscuit Flavors Not Considered Halal

Their UK website states that “Oreo biscuits produced in Europe are not Halal certified but their composition or production process does not make them unsuitable for the Muslim diet. The exceptions to this are Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake, Oreo Choco Brownie, Oreo Enrobed Milk & White, Oreo Cadbury Coated and Oreo Crunchy Bites Dipped.”

Related: Is Ordering Pizza Halal?

Biscuit Flavors Not Halal

• Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake
• Oreo Choc’o Brownie
• Oreo Enrobed Milk & White
• Oreo Cadbury Coated and
• Oreo Crunchy Bites Dipped

Do Oreo Biscuits Have Gelatin?

Although the cookies may appear to be vegetarian as they do not contain any obvious animal products such as gelatin or animal rennet, it is important to note that they may still contain other ingredients derived from animals or may have been produced in a facility that also processes animal products, which can lead to cross-contamination. To ensure that the cookies are truly vegetarian, it is recommended to carefully review the ingredient list and to contact the manufacturer for confirmation.

Related: Is Taco Bell Halal?

Why Oreo Biscuits Should Be Considered Halal?

The principle for determining the permissibility of food, drink, clothing, and customs is that they are considered permissible unless there is clear evidence indicating otherwise. This is supported by the statement of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that “What I keep quiet about is permissible”.

The following  Quranic verse also seems to support the view.

إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَيْتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ ٱلْخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ بِهِۦ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍۢ وَلَا عَادٍۢ فَلَآ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌ ١٧٣

He has only forbidden you ˹to eat˺ carrion, blood, swine,¹ and what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah. But if someone is compelled by necessity—neither driven by desire nor exceeding immediate need—they will not be sinful. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Based on the above, we follow the principle that If there is no clear statement from the Quran or Hadith, or by proper analogy that dictates that a thing is a haram, then it is considered Halal.

We may not be able to give a final verdict on the issue on our own as we never claim to be religious scholars. However, based on the info available about the Oreo cookies internationally, it is safe to say that they are Halal and you could use them without worrying about their Halal issue. In some Muslim-majority countries like Egypt and UAE, the company explicitly announces that these biscuits are Halal as they may be  Halal-certified by local Halal certification authorities.

In 2017, the company’s Malaysian subsidiary won the Best Halal Chocolate Bar under Heritage Brand for its Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolates at the Asia Halal Brand Awards 2017 (AHBA).

Another important consideration you may want to think about is that Oreo biscuits are made with a variety of ingredients, including flour, sugar, oil, cocoa, and various leavening agents. These ingredients are generally considered Halal, but it is important to note that the production process and any additional ingredients may affect the halal status of the final product. For example, if the Oreo biscuits are produced on equipment that is also used to produce products containing pork or alcohol, this could make the Oreos haram for Muslims to consume.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this issue.  So, please leave a comment below to give your opinion regarding this. We will be happy to share your perspective on this matter with our readers from more than 100 countries.