Halal Food Shopping Guide: Top Retailers for Consumers in the US

Finding halal food in the United States used to mean driving across town to a specialty butcher shop or ethnic grocery store. That is no longer the case. In 2026, major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Kroger stock halal-certified products right alongside conventional options, and online platforms deliver halal meat and pantry staples straight to your door.

The US halal food market was valued at over $75 billion in 2025, with supermarkets and hypermarkets capturing nearly 48% of all halal food sales. With an estimated 3.85 million Muslims in the US and a growing non-Muslim consumer base drawn to halal’s ethical sourcing standards, retailers are competing harder than ever to serve this market. This guide breaks down exactly where to shop for halal food in the US, what to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why Halal Food Demand Is Surging in the US

The North America halal food and beverage market is projected to grow from $80.67 billion in 2026 to $114.68 billion by 2031, according to Mordor Intelligence. Several factors are driving this expansion:

• Growing Muslim population: The US Muslim population is projected to reach 8.1 million by 2050 (Pew Research Center), creating sustained demand for halal products in mainstream retail channels.
• Crossover appeal: Roughly 30% of non-Muslim US consumers have purchased halal products, attracted by cleaner ingredient lists, humane animal treatment, and perceived quality advantages.
• Online retail growth: Online halal food sales are the fastest-growing channel, projected to grow at 8.55% CAGR from 2026 to 2031, making halal products accessible even in areas without specialty stores.
• Millennial and Gen Z demand: Younger Muslim consumers expect convenience, variety, and transparency. They want halal options at the same stores where they buy everything else.

Top Brick-and-Mortar Retailers for Halal Food

Costco — Best for Bulk Halal Meat

Costco has emerged as a top destination for halal shoppers, particularly for bulk meat purchases. The warehouse retailer carries halal grass-fed ground beef (Diamond Valley brand), halal grass-fed ground lamb from New Zealand Spring Lamb, and Quality Ethnic Foods halal beef variety packs. All halal items are clearly labeled with certification from recognized bodies. Costco also carries Crescent Foods halal chicken and organic options in select locations.

What to look for: Check the frozen meat section for halal-labeled products. Availability varies by region, so check your local warehouse. Costco’s team has stated they expand halal offerings based on member demand, so requesting products through their suggestion system can help.

Walmart — Widest Geographic Reach

With over 4,700 stores across the US, Walmart offers the broadest geographic access to halal products. Their halal selection includes Saffron Road frozen meals, halal-certified snacks, and an expanding meat section. Walmart’s online grocery pickup and delivery services make it easy to find halal items without browsing every aisle.

What to look for: Use Walmart’s website or app to filter by “halal” before visiting. The selection varies significantly by store location, with urban stores in Muslim-majority areas typically stocking more options.

Kroger (and Affiliated Stores) — Strong Private Label Options

Kroger and its family of stores (Fred Meyer, QFC, Metro Market, City Market) carry halal products including Kroger Brand Sliced American Cheeses made with vegetarian rennet. Kroger’s Simple Truth organic line also includes several halal-friendly products. In regions with significant Muslim populations, Kroger stores dedicate shelf space to halal meat and pantry items.

Whole Foods Market — Premium Halal Options

Whole Foods stocks several halal-certified brands, particularly in the frozen foods and snacks categories. Saffron Road products, including halal-certified frozen entrees and chickpea snacks, are widely available. The store’s strict quality standards align well with halal principles, making it a natural fit for Muslim shoppers who prioritize organic and natural products.

Trader Joe’s — Budget-Friendly Finds

Ranked as a top grocer in the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index, Trader Joe’s has gained traction among halal shoppers for its affordable prices and unique product offerings. While Trader Joe’s does not carry a dedicated halal section, many of their vegetarian, plant-based, and seafood products are naturally halal. Always check ingredient labels for animal-derived enzymes or alcohol-based flavorings.

H-E-B — Best in Texas

H-E-B has been expanding halal sections in its Texas stores, responding to the state’s growing Muslim population. Several locations carry halal-certified meat, international pantry items, and specialty products. H-E-B’s commitment to local sourcing also means you may find regional halal producers stocked on their shelves.

Specialty Halal Stores Worth Visiting

While mainstream retailers are expanding, dedicated halal stores still offer the widest selection and most knowledgeable staff. Here are some standout options:

• Salem’s Market & Grill (Pittsburgh, PA): A combination halal grocery and restaurant offering hand-slaughtered meats and Middle Eastern specialties.
• Island Grocery & Grill (Charlotte, NC): Serves the growing Muslim community in the Carolinas with a full selection of halal meat and international groceries.
• International halal butchers: Nearly every major US city has independent halal butcher shops. Use apps like Zabihah or HalalTrip to locate verified shops near you.

Best Online Halal Food Retailers

Online halal grocery shopping has exploded in recent years. These platforms deliver halal products nationwide:

One Stop Halal (onestophalal.com)

Offers a wide selection of halal meats, including USDA-certified options, with nationwide shipping. Their product pages include certification details from each supplier, giving you full transparency.

Midamar Halal (midamarhalal.com)

One of the oldest halal meat suppliers in the US, Midamar has been operating since 1974. They ship halal beef, chicken, lamb, and specialty cuts directly to consumers. All products carry IFANCA halal certification.

Halal World Depot (halalworlddepot.com)

An online halal grocery store offering meat, chicken, and pantry staples with delivery across the US. Their product range includes both everyday items and hard-to-find specialty ingredients.

MoveHalal (movehalal.com)

Based in Oakland, CA, MoveHalal offers same-day delivery locally and nationwide shipping for halal groceries, dairy, and frozen items. They also stock halal cheese from certified brands.

How to Verify Halal Certification at Any Store

Not all “halal” labels are created equal. Here is how to verify what you are buying:

1. Check the certification logo: Look for logos from recognized bodies like IFANCA (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America), ISWA (Islamic Services of America), HFA (Halal Food Authority), or HMC (Halal Monitoring Committee).
2. Read the ingredients list: Even with a halal label, check for hidden non-halal ingredients like gelatin (unless specified as halal or bovine), L-cysteine, carmine, and alcohol-based flavorings.
3. Ask the butcher: At specialty stores, ask about the slaughter method (zabiha), the certifying body, and whether the animals are hand-slaughtered or machine-slaughtered. Different Islamic scholarly positions exist on machine slaughter.
4. Use verification apps: Apps like Halal Check and ScanHalal let you scan barcodes to check halal status instantly.

Common Mistakes When Shopping for Halal Food

Assuming “Organic” Means Halal

Organic certification addresses farming practices, not slaughter methods. An organic chicken is not automatically halal. Always look for separate halal certification alongside any organic claims.

Trusting “Halal” Labels Without Certification

Some products use the word “halal” on packaging without backing from a recognized certifying body. Legitimate halal products will display a specific certification logo with a certifier’s name and certificate number.

Ignoring Cross-Contamination Risks

In mainstream grocery stores, halal meat may be stored alongside non-halal products. If cross-contamination is a concern for you, consider buying sealed, pre-packaged halal products or shopping at dedicated halal stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Costco sell halal meat?

Yes. Costco carries halal-certified meat products including grass-fed ground beef from Diamond Valley, grass-fed ground lamb from New Zealand Spring Lamb, and Crescent Foods halal chicken in select locations. Check the frozen meat section and look for halal certification labels on the packaging.

Is Walmart’s meat halal?

Walmart’s standard meat department does not carry halal meat in most locations. However, many Walmart stores stock halal-certified frozen products from brands like Saffron Road. Availability varies by region and store.

What is the best online halal meat delivery service?

The top online halal meat services in the US include One Stop Halal, Midamar Halal (operating since 1974), and Halal World Depot. All three offer nationwide shipping with products certified by recognized halal authorities.

How can I tell if cheese is halal?

Check whether the cheese uses microbial or vegetable rennet instead of animal rennet. Brands like Cabot (IFANCA-certified), Tillamook, and Nikos feta offer halal-certified options. Read our complete halal cheese buyer’s guide for detailed brand recommendations.

Are there halal options at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s does not carry a dedicated halal meat section, but many of their vegetarian, plant-based, and seafood products are naturally halal-compliant. Always read ingredient labels carefully, as some products may contain animal-derived enzymes or alcohol-based flavorings.

What halal certification bodies should I look for?

In the US, the most recognized halal certifying bodies include IFANCA (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America), ISWA (Islamic Services of America), Halal Transactions of Omaha (HTO), and the Halal Food Authority (HFA). Products certified by these organizations meet rigorous standards for ingredient sourcing and processing.

Looking for halal dining options? Check out our guides to halal-friendly fast food chains in the US and the top halal restaurants in America.