Spirit vinegar is a highly popular addition to many salads and sauces. However, there seems to be lots of debate over whether or not it’s allowed to be consumed within Islamic law.
Is spirit vinegar halal or haram? What about natural or artificial vinegars?
Keep reading for the answer, and an explanation into why there’s so much confusion over this particular type of vinegar.
So – is spirit vinegar halal?
Yes – spirit vinegar is halal and therefore safe to consume within Islamic guidelines. The confusion lies in the word ‘spirit’ – as some people may assume that it contains alcohol.
As it turns out they’re not a million miles away. Most of the time, vinegar is derived from alcohol – the spirit variety, as you’d imagine, following this trend. However, during the vinegar-making process, alcohol actually dissipates.
Vinegar is created through delicate fermentation of a chosen alcohol. For example, spirits such as vodka may be used, or popularly, so can wine.
Alcohol that is distilled and fermented to become vinegar allows the beverage to become acidic and therefore sour. You can even make vinegar from fruit, too!
Essentially, vinegar is the end product of alcohol or fruit that’s been left to ferment in a certain way, or to ‘go off’. By the time it reaches supermarket bottles, there’s no alcohol left, and it’s halal.
Like coffee, vinegar is one of several household foodstuffs that seems to fall prey to halal /haram confusion – so now you know!
What if spirit vinegar is artificially fermented?
There is still some confusion over natural vs artificial vinegar distilling and fermentation. As it happens, Islamic law states vinegar is safe to use regardless of whether it’s been artificially produced, or bottled from produce that’s burned off alcohol.
However, as with all foodstuffs, it’s still a good idea to check the labels of any products you intend to use in the kitchen.
Spirit vinegar on the whole is bottled without alcohol at the end of the process, but some brands and manufacturers may use haram ingredients or processes.
In which case, it’s altogether safer to shop with a retailer specialising in certified halal goods.
Of course, spirit vinegar becomes haram when you use it with banned ingredients, such as pork. On its own, it’s halal – but you’ll need to be very careful with how you put it to use.
You can, for example, even use spirit vinegar as part of a home-made cleaning solution – great news if you want to save money!
Conclusion
Spirit vinegar, and in fact all types of vinegar you’ll find on supermarket shelves, are halal. They shouldn’t contain any alcohol at the end of the fermenting / distilling process, and it’s worth checking with the supplier or manufacturer. If you don’t see the halal label – think twice before buying, in any case!
