What Does Halal Really Mean?

This is something I get asked about all the time. What exactly is halal? What makes something halal? And why does it matter? So I thought, let’s just break it down in the simplest way possible.

Halal is an Arabic word that means “permissible” or “allowed.” When we talk about halal food, we’re talking about food that follows certain guidelines outlined in Islamic law. But it is more than just a set of rules. It is about intention, mindfulness, and respect for what we eat.

So how does it work? For meat, it is not just about the type of animal. It is about how that animal is treated and how the meat is prepared. Animals have to be healthy, treated with care, and slaughtered in a way that is humane. There is also a prayer said at the time of slaughter to acknowledge the life being taken. It is not just a physical process, it is a spiritual one too.

Halal also means avoiding shortcuts. That means no harmful additives, no alcohol, and no mixing with anything that is not allowed. The whole point is to make sure what you eat is pure and clean.

Why does this matter? For a lot of people, halal is more than just a dietary choice. It is a way of life. It is about being intentional with what goes into your body and making choices that align with your values. Even if you are not Muslim, there is something beautiful about the idea of food being prepared with care and thoughtfulness.

And it is not just about meat anymore. These days, you can find halal snacks, drinks, supplements, even beauty products. The demand is growing because people want food they can trust. Food that is ethical and transparent.

For me, this is personal. When I created It’s Actually, making sure our broths were halal was non-negotiable. Because this is not just about tradition, it is about trust and quality. If I am sharing something with your family, I want it to be something I would share with mine.

Halal is more than a label. It is about quality, respect, and gratitude. And honestly, I think that is something everyone can appreciate.