Halal Mantecados and Polvorones: How Dulces Gamito Pioneered Them

At the heart of Estepa, Seville, Spain, the historic birthplace of the traditional Spanish mantecado, one family has been making sweets since 1965, following recipes rooted in wood-fired baking. What began as a family business has grown, more than half a century later, into an internationally recognised name in the industry: Dulces Gamito, the company that pioneered the production of halal mantecados and polvorones, opening up a market that had previously remained largely unexplored in Spain.

A Tradition Ready to Embrace the World

José and Carmen founded Dulces Gamito with a recipe passed down through generations. In 1993, just three decades after the company was established, it began exporting its mantecados and polvorones to markets around the world.

That exposure to new markets sparked an idea that would change the company’s course: adapting its traditional recipes so that Muslim consumers could enjoy these iconic Spanish Christmas sweets too.

The challenge was significant. Traditional mantecados are made with lard, an ingredient that is not compatible with halal dietary requirements. Dulces Gamito therefore reformulated its production process, replacing animal fat with vegetable fats and dedicating specific equipment, including mixers and cutting machines, to halal production in order to prevent cross-contact.

The result was a 100% plant-based mantecado that retains the characteristic melt-in-the-mouth texture and familiar flavour of the traditional recipe, while being suitable for Muslim consumers.

Dulces Gamito thus became one of the first Spanish companies and a global pioneer to produce halal mantecados and polvorones on an industrial scale. The company also developed the first 100% plant-based mantecado to receive halal certification.

Halal Assurance: The Certification Behind Every Sweet

All of Dulces Gamito’s halal products are certified by the Halal Institute, the organisation responsible for managing the Halal Guarantee trademark of Junta Islámica for Spanish companies. This certification involves regular audits, strict control of raw materials and full traceability throughout every stage of production, from mixing and shaping to packaging.

Dulces Gamito has also expanded beyond its traditional markets by adopting the GSO 2055-1 standard, an essential requirement for marketing halal food products in the Gulf countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This step strengthens Gamito’s presence in high-potential international markets, building on the brand’s established reach across Europe and Africa.

Made with 100% plant-based ingredients and free from pork fat and alcohol, these traditional Spanish sweets offer Muslim consumers an accessible way to enjoy one of Spain’s most distinctive confectionery traditions.

A Range Designed for the Whole Family

Dulces Gamito’s halal range includes cinnamon, lemon, coconut and chocolate mantecados, as well as polvorones, alfajores and traditional artisan roscos.

The range also features premium assortments made with extra virgin olive oil, along with almond-based turroncillos. Each product is individually wrapped and presented in boxes displaying the Halal Guarantee and 100% Plant-Based logos prominently, providing consumers and retailers with clear reassurance at the point of purchase.

Why Halal Traceability Matters

For Muslim consumers, halal certification provides assurance that a product can be incorporated into their everyday diet without compromising their religious principles. Companies such as Dulces Gamito, with more than two decades of experience in the halal sector, offer something the market increasingly values: accumulated expertise and a verifiable record of regulatory compliance.

Being a pioneer is about more than having a place in history. As an increasing number of brands enter the halal food market, having been among the first gives Gamito a depth of sector knowledge that is difficult to replicate, as well as credibility that can translate into greater confidence among distributors and consumers.

With its own production facility in Estepa and both domestic and international distribution, Dulces Gamito demonstrates that traditional Spanish confectionery and halal certification are not only compatible, they can form the foundation of a robust business model with genuine global ambitions.