Twizzlers are a classic licorice candy beloved in the United States and beyond. With their chewy texture, bright colors, and sweet flavor, they’re a popular treat for kids and adults alike. But those following halal dietary guidelines, taste isn’t the only factor knowing whether a snack is halal is equally important. The halal status of products affects purchasing decisions, particularly for widely available snacks that lack clear certification.
In this blog, we’ll explore Twizzlers’ ingredients, halal concerns, certification status, regional variations, and expert opinions to help you make an informed choice.
What Are Twizzlers?
Most people associate Twizzlers with their strawberry twists, but the brand offers multiple varieties, including Pull ‘n Peel, Nibs, and specialty flavors.
Core ingredients typically include:
- Corn syrup
- Wheat flour
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Palm oil
- Salt
- Artificial flavor
- Glycerin
- Citric acid
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
- Red 40 (synthetic color)
- Soy lecithin
Halal Concerns: Ingredient Breakdown
1. Gelatin
Gelatin is a common red flag for halal consumers because it often comes from pork or non-halal slaughtered animals. Twizzlers do not contain gelatin, which is a positive sign.
2. Glycerin
Glycerin can be sourced from plants or animals. Hershey’s has indicated that the glycerin in Twizzlers is plant-derived, making it halal-friendly in principle.
3. Artificial Colors and Flavorings
Twizzlers use synthetic colors like Red 40, not carmine, which is derived from insects. Their flavors are also synthetic rather than derived from animals.
Certification & Legal Compliance
Despite their halal-friendly ingredients, Twizzlers are not officially halal-certified. Many variants are kosher-certified and vegan-friendly, but kosher status is not a direct guarantee of halal compliance. Without halal certification, there’s no assurance of supply chain integrity or contamination prevention during production.
Regional Considerations & Production Differences
Formulations may vary slightly between countries. In the USA, UK, and Canada, ingredient lists often match the halal-friendly profile. However, ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes in other regions might differ. Always check the packaging in your local market to confirm.
Some sources claim Twizzlers are halal “by ingredients” in North America and the UK, while others urge caution until certification is obtained.
Conclusion
Twizzlers have no gelatin, use plant based glycerin, and contain no obvious haram ingredients. However, their lack of halal certification is a concern for stricter consumers. For some, Twizzlers may be acceptable on a “halal by ingredients” basis. For others, particularly those who only consume certified products, it may be better to choose halal-certified alternatives.
FAQs on Are Twizzlers Halal
1. Do Twizzlers contain gelatin?
No, Twizzlers do not contain gelatin.
2. Is Twizzlers’ glycerin halal?
Yes, Hershey’s confirms it is plant-based.
3. Are Twizzlers halal certified?
No, they currently lack halal certification.
4. Why do some scholars advise avoiding Twizzlers?
Because there is no halal certification and limited supply chain transparency.
5. How can I verify a pack’s halal status?
Check the ingredients, contact Hershey’s, or consult local halal authorities.
