Names to look for on labels
- hydrolyzed animal protein
- hydrolysed meat protein
- hydrolysed beef protein
- hydrolysed pork protein
What to do
Look for a halal logo, a "vegan" label, or a stated plant source on the pack. If none of these are present, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for the source.
More about hydrolysed animal protein
Hydrolysed animal protein is meat protein broken down into small pieces with acid or enzymes. It adds a savoury taste and is used in stock cubes, soups, gravy and snacks.
The animal is often not stated. Pork protein is haram, and other animals need to be slaughtered in the halal way.
Is hydrolysed animal protein vegetarian or vegan?
No. Hydrolysed animal protein comes from animals, so it is not vegetarian or vegan.
Why we classify it this way
Doubtful Depends on the animal and how it was slaughtered. Pork protein is haram.
Basis: Source or process not stated. It can be made from sources that change the ruling (for example pigs, an animal that was not slaughtered correctly, or alcohol), and the label does not say which.
References
- Resolution No. 210 (6/22): Transmutation and Dilution of Additives in Food and Medication, International Islamic Fiqh Academy (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), 22 March 2015. Defines istihalah as a complete change into a different substance and says a partial change does not make a defiled substance pure. Adopts a 1995 IOMS fatwa that allows a slight amount of alcohol as a solvent for colours and preservatives, and alcohol on the skin, but says foods containing wine are not permitted even in a small ratio. Pig fat and pig rennet are prohibited; rennet from a correctly slaughtered animal is permitted; most participants hold rennet from an animal that was not slaughtered impure while some disagree; rennet made by genetic engineering is permitted. Pig heparin only under necessity. Gelatin was referred for further study with no ruling.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is hydrolysed animal protein halal?
Hydrolysed animal protein is doubtful (mushbooh). Depends on the animal and how it was slaughtered. Pork protein is haram.
Where does hydrolysed animal protein come from?
Animal protein broken down by acid or enzymes.
Is hydrolysed animal protein vegetarian or vegan?
No. Hydrolysed animal protein comes from animals, so it is not vegetarian or vegan.