Also asked as: “Do mince pies have meat?” · “Is suet in mince pies halal?”
What to check
- Suet: vegetable suet is halal; beef suet is halal only from halal beef: see suet.
- Alcohol: brandy, rum or sherry in the mincemeat.
- Pastry: butter or vegetable fat is fine; lard is not.
Mince pies and mincemeat
The mincemeat in a mince pie is a mix of dried fruit, apple, sugar, spices and suet, usually with brandy or another spirit. Meat was part of the very early recipes, but is not used today.
Supermarket and bakery mince pies vary: vegetable suet and alcohol-free recipes exist, and mincemeat sold in jars often says whether it is suitable for vegetarians.
Written and checked by
Hafiz Nasir Mehmood
Quran HafizIslamic researcher