Spicy yet refreshing, ginger beer is a fantastic thirst-quencher. However, its name can be a little confusing – does it actually contain alcohol? What’s more, is ginger beer halal or haram?
Before pouring yourself a glass of this fiery fizz, let’s take a look at whether it’s halal or not – once and for all.
Is ginger beer halal?
In most cases, ginger beer is non-alcoholic, meaning it is halal. However, you’ll need to be careful to check any bottles you buy, or menus you order from.
Ginger beer, unlike its name suggests, is actually a carbonated drink. It’s a name given to a ginger-flavoured fizzy pop that you can normally buy in shops and supermarkets (without the need for ID!).
How much alcohol does ginger beer contain?
The great news is that ginger beer’s average alcohol contents come to no more than 0.5% ABV. Of course, alcohol is considered haram – but there should be little need for you to worry about its presence in store-bought ginger beer.
Traditional ginger beer made from scratch, however, is fermented and made from ginger, water and sugar. Ginger beer plants and ginger bugs are sometimes used to make specific blends or styles of this drink.
Ginger beer is technically a non-alcoholic drink under most trading standards. This also means it won’t make you drunk – you’d need to consume 30-40 bottles in under an hour!
Why is it called ginger beer – if there’s no alcohol?
The name ginger beer has been passed down for generations, from days when the drink used to have up to 10-11% ABV per serving! But, the only similarity modern drinks share with the old recipes is the presence of ginger. Effectively, the bottles you’ll find in supermarkets are simply fizzy, ginger-flavoured water.
Of course, it still pays to be careful. There are some alcoholic drinks manufacturers known for producing ginger beer flavoured cocktails, and drinks based on the original recipe.
To avoid accidentally consuming haram ginger beer, always make sure to carefully read both sides of the label!
What ingredients does ginger beer contain?
Ginger beer’s ingredients may vary from recipe to recipe, and from brand to brand. However, you can normally expect to find cane sugar, citric acid, preservatives, root of ginger, carbonated water and some natural flavourings.
In some cases, as mentioned, there may be yeast present, and in addition, alcohol. You’ll be able to spot if you’ve bought an alcoholic ginger beer drink by checking for the ABV level in percentage at the front of the label.
Conclusion
The great news is, most of the time, you can enjoy ginger beer as a halal drink. This spicy treat typically won’t be haram unless you choose an alcoholic option. Always be careful when trying someone’s home-made blend, or when buying bottles at your local shops.
FAQ
Is ginger beer halal according to Islamqa?
Ginger beer is mostly non-alcoholic and can be considered halal. However, it’s essential to verify the specific product by checking the label for alcohol content. Islamqa recommends consuming only non-alcoholic beverages.
Can Bundaberg ginger beer be consumed as a halal drink?
Yes, Bundaberg ginger beer is generally halal as it is a non-alcoholic beverage. Make sure you check the label for any alcohol content or haram ingredients before consuming.
In Shia Islam, is ginger beer considered halal?
In Shia Islam, ginger beer may be considered halal if it has no alcohol content or haram ingredients. Ensure you read labels carefully and consult with knowledgeable individuals in your community if uncertain.
Does Schweppes Ginger Ale comply with halal requirements?
Schweppes Ginger Ale is typically seen as halal since it is a non-alcoholic carbonated soft drink. However, always check the label for any haram ingredients before consuming to ensure compliance with halal guidelines.
Is ginger beer an alcoholic beverage that might affect its halal status?
Generally, ginger beer is not considered an alcoholic beverage as it contains less than 0.5% ABV, making it permissible for halal consumption. Nonetheless, be cautious with home-made blends or certain brands that may have slightly higher alcohol content and verify by reading product labels.
Can Muslims drink ginger beer?
Yes, Muslims can generally enjoy ginger beer as a non-alcoholic beverage. Most ginger beers are alcohol-free and halal; however, it’s vital to check the labels for any traces of alcohol in traditional or alcoholic ginger beers.
What should I know about alcoholic ginger beers?
Alcoholic ginger beers contain higher levels of alcohol than their non-alcoholic counterparts. They may be based on traditional recipes and contain yeast for fermentation. Be sure to check the ABV level on the label before drinking these versions, especially if you are seeking halal options.
Is drinking ginger beer safe for all ages?
Drinking non-alcoholic ginger beer is generally safe and enjoyable for people of all ages, as it typically contains no more than 0.5% ABV. However, always exercise caution with homemade blends or alcoholic ginger beers that might have higher alcohol content.
What are some popular varieties of ginger beers?
Ginger beers come in various styles and flavors, such as non-alcoholic beverage options and traditional fermented ones containing yeast. Additionally, there are unique combinations using a “ginger beer plant” – a mix of bacteria and yeast used to ferment sugar water.
