Over the past few years, demand for halal meat has increased globally because of rising numbers of Muslims and more interest in ethical and religious foods. The rise in dining out is due, in part, to shifting demographics, a better understanding of animal rights, and a liking for healthy food options. Halal meat meets the needs of religious followers and appeals to people who look for healthy and clear food information.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
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What makes meat halal
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How to identify trusted halal brands
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A list of reliable halal meat brands in various countries
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Tips to buy halal meat safely and confidently
What Is Halal Meat?
In Islam, halal meat is meat that:
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Comes from an animal permissible to eat (e.g., chicken, beef, lamb)
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Was slaughtered according to Islamic law (Zabiha)
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Was slaughtered in the name of Allah (ﷲ)
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Was free of contamination with haram substances (e.g., pork, blood, alcohol)
Meat that doesn’t follow these guidelines is considered haram (forbidden).
What to Look for in a Halal Meat Brand
Not all brands labeled “halal” are created equal. Some use the term for marketing without strict compliance. Always look for:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Halal certification | Must be verified by a recognised halal authority |
| Zabiha method | Confirms that Islamic slaughter practices were followed |
| No cross-contamination | Ensures no contact with pork or haram meat |
| Transparency | Clear labelling, ingredients, and sourcing information |
| Trusted supplier | Positive reviews, a reliable supply chain, and Muslim-owned or supervised |
Trusted Halal Meat Brands (By Region)
United States
| Brand | Certifications | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Zabiha Halal | IFANCA | Chicken, beef, hot dogs, burgers |
| Midamar | USDA, IFANCA | Beef, lamb, deli meats, frozen items |
| Crescent Foods | HFSAA, Hand-cut | Fresh chicken, ground beef, frozen items |
| Al Safa Halal | HMA (in Canada), private label | Frozen meals, meats, nuggets, and burgers |
| Handslaughtered.com | HFSAA | Ethically hand-slaughtered meat |
Canada
| Brand | Certifications | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Sargent Farms | HMA | Fresh chicken, hand-slaughtered |
| Zabiha Halal (Maple Lodge Farms) | HMA | Fresh and frozen chicken |
| Al Safa Halal | HMA | Snacks, nuggets, and deli meats |
| Mina Halal (Maple Leaf Foods) | IFANCA | Chicken, burgers, breaded items |
United Kingdom
| Brand | Certifications | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Tahira | HMC, halal certified | Cold cuts, frozen meals |
| Hafez Halal | Local halal boards | Chicken, beef, lamb |
| Shazans | Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) | Chicken, ready meals, kebabs |
| Humza Foods | HMC (some products) | Frozen snacks, kebabs, and meatballs |
Middle East
Halal meat is widely available, but quality varies. Brands include:
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Al Islami Foods (UAE)
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Nabil (Jordan)
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Al Kabeer (Gulf countries)
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A’Saffa Foods (Oman)
These brands are usually government-regulated and widely trusted in the region.
Where to Buy Halal Meat
Local Options:
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Muslim-owned butcher shops
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Halal grocery stores
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Masjid/community co-ops
Online Stores (U.S. & Canada):
These platforms offer hand-slaughtered, grass-fed, and hormone-free options with delivery.
FAQ: Halal Meat Brands
Q: Is all meat labelled “halal” trustworthy?
A: Not necessarily. Some labels may not be certified or may use machine slaughter. Always check for certification and Zabiha confirmation.
Q: What is the difference between machine-slaughtered and hand-slaughtered?
A: Hand-slaughtered meat (preferred by many scholars) involves a Muslim reciting Bismillah before each slaughter. Machine-slaughtered meat may use recorded recitations and is not accepted by some Muslims and organisations like HMC and HFSAA.
Q: Which certification should I trust?
A: Trusted halal certification authorities include:
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IFANCA (USA)
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HFSAA (USA)
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HMC (UK)
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HMA (Canada)
Q: Is organic meat always halal?
A: No. Organic refers to farming methods, not slaughter practices. Organic meat must still be Zabiha halal to be permissible.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Halal Meat Brand
Finding halal beef you can trust doesn’t have to be difficult. Stick to brands that:
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Are certified by respected halal authorities
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Offer full transparency in their sourcing and practices
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Use hand-slaughtered, Zabiha-compliant methods
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Are reviewed and supported by the Muslim community
Tip: When in doubt, ask your local imam or community leader about which brands are accepted in your madhhab or area.