Why Halal Is A Big Deal to Millennials

It's Not Just Muslims Buying Certified Halal

"Halal" is an Arabic word that means "permissible" and is typically used to describe what foods are acceptable to eat for Muslims. Properly prepared halal meats must come from animals that are healthy when they are slaughtered. The slaughter must take place in a specific manner that includes draining all of the animal's blood. Many people confuse Kosher with Halal as they are similar – but different. Halal is often used to describe Islamic dietary laws, but it can be used to refer to anything in the world permitted by Islam. Halal forbids all alcohol consumption, while Kosher allows the consumption of alcohols that are certified to be Kosher. Some seafood such as shellfish that has lived its entire life in the water is allowed in Halal, while shellfish is forbidden in Kosher.

Zabihah is a website that claims it is the original and world’s largest guide to Halal markets and restaurants all over the globe. And of course there is the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, which certifies halal food and promotes education on the topic, that estimate that Halal sales will hit $20 billion this year. Nielsen estimates that sales in grocery and cstores reached $1.9 billion in the 12 months through August, a 15 percent increase from 2012. 

According to Pew Research, there were 3.3 million U.S. Muslims last year, but the number’s projected to grow to 8.1 million by 2050 – but its not just Muslims who are buying foods certified as Halal. It’s Millennials who care about the planet, animal welfare and have taken a much more holistic approach to our foods than any other generation.  Basically to eat what is "good" - that is, what is pure, clean, wholesome, nourishing, and pleasing to the taste.