Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
The Difference Between Halal and Kosher
2025-05-15
Halal and kosher refer to two distinct dietary laws. However, some believe the two are interchangeable when necessary. Halal and kosher do share some similarities and semantics. Kosher comes from the Hebrew word meaning "fit" or "acceptable." Halal comes from the Arabic word meaning "lawful." They are distinct entities, each with a different meaning and spirit.
Halal and Kosher are known for not allowing the consumption of pork and pork products. However, there are many other differences that many people may not know:
Halal law prohibits all intoxicating substances and alcohol, but alcoholic beverages are considered kosher. Wine is also kosher if produced under rabbinic supervision. Just because a product has a kosher label doesn't mean it's halal.
The following figure shows the typical differences between Halal and Kosher laws:
product Halal regulations Kosher Laws dairy products Dairy products produced by animals permitted by Halal law are legal and require a Halal certificate. Dairy products can be consumed with any other food. Dairy products produced by animals permitted by kosher laws are legal. Dairy products require a kosher certificate. Dairy products cannot be consumed with meat. liquor Alcohol is prohibited and the alcohol content of halal products must not exceed 0.5% Kosher-certified alcoholic beverages are permitted. Fermented products Halal certified fermented products are acceptable. Kosher-certified leavened products are acceptable, but not for Passover. seafood All seafood is permitted, excluding marine mammals and amphibians. For products from seawater or freshwater, only fish with fins and scales that are easily removable are allowed (for example: salmon, tilapia, yellow croaker, cod, etc.) grape seed extract Allowed It must be produced under the strict supervision of a Jewish rabbi. Foods that are cooked from raw to cooked (e.g. rice) Halal ingredients are accepted. Food can be prepared by non-Muslims. From raw to cooked food, it involves the category of cooking and must be cooked by a Jewish rabbi himself (Jews cannot eat food cooked by non-Jews. For example, potato chips)