Are Fruit Salad Chews Halal? Answering the Top Sweet-Lover's Question

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

Since 2019, many versions of the classic Barratt Fruit Salad Chews have been reformulated to be gelatin-free, which directly impacts whether they are considered halal. This means that determining if fruit salad chews are halal requires checking the specific brand and its ingredients, rather than assuming a general rule.

Quick Summary

Since 2019, many brands of Fruit Salad Chews have removed gelatin, making them suitable for a halal diet. However, it is essential to check the ingredient list for every specific brand to confirm its halal status, as recipes can vary by manufacturer and region.

Key Points

Gelatin is the Key Ingredient: The halal status of Fruit Salad Chews hinges on whether they contain animal-based gelatin, a common ingredient in many chewy sweets.
Modern Recipes are Gelatin-Free: Since around 2019, manufacturers like Barratt have removed gelatin from their Fruit Salad Chews recipe to make them vegetarian-friendly, also making them suitable for halal diets.
Always Check the Brand: Different brands and knock-offs may still use animal-based gelatin, so it is crucial to read the ingredient list for the specific product you are buying.
Look for Certifications: For extra assurance, look for vegetarian, vegan, or specific halal certification labels (like HMC) on the packaging.
Scan the Ingredient List: Check the label for alternative gelling agents like pectin or hydrolysed pea protein, which indicate a halal-friendly formulation.
Be Cautious with Unspecified 'Gelatin': If the ingredient list simply says 'gelatin' without specifying a plant or fish source, assume it is not halal-friendly unless a clear halal certification is present.
Country of Origin Matters: Recipes can vary by region. A product from one country might be halal while the same flavour from another might not be.

The Halal Status of Fruit Salad Chews: A Detailed Ingredient Breakdown

For followers of a halal diet, navigating the world of sweets and confections can be a challenging task. Many chewy candies have historically used gelatin, an ingredient often sourced from non-halal animal products like pork, making them forbidden (haram). For years, this was the case for the classic raspberry and pineapple flavoured Fruit Salad Chews. However, a significant change in recent years has altered the halal status of this beloved retro treat, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The Critical Shift: From Gelatin to Plant-Based Alternatives

The most important development for anyone wondering, "are fruit salad chews halal?" is the removal of animal-based gelatin from the recipe of the main producer, Barratt. Since 2019, Barratt Fruit Salad Chews have been formulated to be completely gelatin-free. This change was a proactive step to make the sweets suitable for vegetarians, and as a result, they also became compatible with a halal diet. Instead of gelatin, manufacturers now rely on other ingredients to achieve the signature chewy texture, ensuring the sweets are compliant with Islamic dietary laws.

This shift isn't just a small modification; it's a game-changer. For decades, the chewy texture in many sweets was a red flag for halal consumers. Now, with the use of plant-based alternatives, the texture is achieved without compromising religious guidelines. This move by confectionery companies reflects a broader trend of catering to diverse dietary needs, a welcome development for the halal consumer market.

Important Considerations: Brand Variations and Certification

While the news about the original Barratt chews is positive, the halal consumer must still exercise caution. The confectionery market is saturated with copycat products and different brands of 'fruit salad' flavoured sweets. These alternatives do not always adhere to the same gelatin-free recipe. For instance, while some online retailers and wholesalers specifically market their fruit salad-flavoured products as 'halal-approved,' this is not a universal standard.

To ensure a product is genuinely halal, look for specific certifications. In some cases, products might be HMC (Halal Monitoring Committee) certified, giving consumers an extra layer of reassurance. In other instances, a product might be marketed as vegan or vegetarian, which is a strong indicator that it is gelatin-free and likely halal, but it is still wise to check for other potentially non-halal ingredients, such as certain emulsifiers or flavourings, or the presence of alcohol. Always consult the ingredient list on the packaging for the most accurate information.

Comparing Halal and Non-Halal Sweet Ingredients

To better understand the difference, here is a comparison of typical ingredients found in traditional, non-halal chewy sweets versus their modern, halal-friendly counterparts.


Feature	Traditional Chewy Sweets (Potentially non-halal)	Modern Fruit Salad Chews (Halal-friendly)
Key Chewy Ingredient	Animal Gelatin (often pork-based)	Plant-based alternatives (pectin, hydrolysed pea protein)
Other Gelling Agents	Sometimes includes other animal-derived additives.	Primarily relies on plant sources like pectin, agar-agar, or carrageenan.
Emulsifiers	May use emulsifiers of animal origin.	Often use plant-based emulsifiers like soya lecithin.
Flavourings	Artificial and natural flavourings (halal status needs confirmation).	Flavourings typically from natural fruit juice concentrates (e.g., apple, pineapple).
Certification	No halal certification.	Often carry Vegetarian, Vegan, or Halal certification.

The Importance of Reading the Label

While the intent behind the new recipe is positive, the responsibility ultimately falls on the consumer. The specific manufacturer, and even the country of origin, can impact the ingredients used. For example, a product sold as a "fruit salad" flavoured chew by a different brand may still contain animal gelatin. This is why a quick check of the ingredient list before purchasing is a crucial step for any Muslim consumer. The presence of 'hydrolysed pea protein' or 'pectin' is a good sign, while 'gelatin' (without further specification) should be treated with caution, especially if there is no explicit halal certification.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Safe Choice, with Careful Inspection

The good news is that many versions of the classic fruit salad chews are now suitable for those following a halal diet, thanks to a conscious shift in manufacturing processes. By moving away from animal-based gelatin and towards plant-based alternatives, companies like Barratt have made their iconic sweet accessible to a wider consumer base. However, this is not a universal truth. Consumers must remain vigilant, checking the ingredient list and seeking out brands that explicitly state their products are gelatin-free, vegetarian, or, ideally, have a specific halal certification. A simple, careful inspection of the packaging is all it takes to ensure a sweet and safe treat for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Fruit Salad Chews contain gelatin. Specifically, since 2019, the classic Barratt brand has been reformulated to be completely gelatin-free. However, other brands and imitation sweets might still use animal-based gelatin, so checking the label is essential.

Modern, gelatin-free Fruit Salad Chews often use plant-based alternatives to achieve their chewy texture. Common ingredients include hydrolysed pea protein, pectin, or various gums derived from plant sources.

A 'vegetarian' label is a strong indicator that the product is gelatin-free, but it doesn't automatically guarantee it is halal. You should still check for other potentially non-halal ingredients, such as certain emulsifiers or alcohol-based flavourings.

To ensure a sweet is halal, look for specific halal certification marks, such as HMC (Halal Monitoring Committee). If unavailable, confirm it is vegetarian or vegan and scan the ingredient list to ensure no animal gelatin or alcohol is used.

Yes, ingredients can vary based on the manufacturer and the country of production. A brand sold in the UK might be vegetarian and gelatin-free, while a similar product in another region could use a different recipe, so always check the local packaging.

Many online retailers and speciality stores that focus on halal and dietary-specific sweets will carry certified halal versions of fruit salad-flavoured chews. Looking for retailers that specifically list 'halal' or 'vegan' in the product description is a good strategy.

If a product label simply lists 'gelatin' without specifying a source (like fish or bovine), it is safest for a halal consumer to assume it is not halal and avoid it, as it is often derived from non-halal animal sources like pork.