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FAQ's - The Ingredients Puzzle

Ever wondered what those ingredients listed on the back of that packet / bottle / container are made from. Sweets can have gelatin. Baby food can have additives and preservatives. What about Skincare and Cosmetics products that can have parabens and sulphates. Ever wondered what free radicals or anti-oxidants actually are without understanding what they do, then check out our ingredients FAQ’s!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does Halal mean?

Halal is an Arabic term that means lawful or permissible when used in an Islamic context. Muslims lead their lives following the Halal concept. It describes a way of cleanliness, self-restraint and

integrity. When used to describe food, Halal means that it does not contain anything, nor was it prepared to go against Islamic beliefs.

For example, if a drink contains alcohol, it is not Halal. Some Muslims may avoid beauty products that contain alcohol, but that is not Haram (unlawful), as it does not intoxicate the consumer as an alcoholic drink would. Another example is meat. If an animal is not slaughtered the way Islam orders people to slaughter them, it is not Halal. Even if it is slaughtered appropriately, pork meat is not Halal because Islam forbids consuming it.

Similarly, any food containing pork or substances derived from pork meat, such as gelatin, is not Halal. Whereas cow meat or poultry, if slaughtered appropriately, will be certified Halal. Many products and foods may not be certified Halal, but they are still permissible by Muslims. However, some Muslims would still prefer to consume Halal-certified food.

What does Vegan mean?

Veganism is not only a diet, but it is also a lifestyle. A Vegan is a person who does not consume any food or products that contain animal-derived substances or materials. It aims to lead a lifestyle that excludes consuming anything that is a product of animal exploitation or cruelty. Vegans do not eat any types of meat or poultry, nor anything derived from eggs, dairy, or products made from them, such as clothing, bags, shoes, belts, etc.

For example, a vegan would not eat a cake made with animal milk, fats (gelatin or butter) and eggs. A vegan cake would not contain any of those ingredients – you would make it with plant-based dairy, fats and no eggs. Moreover, a vegan would not buy a leather belt or bag made with alligator skin, cow skin, or snakeskin. A vegan would also not wear a fur coat nor buy any beauty/skincare products tested on animals.

What's the difference between Vegan and Vegetarian?

A vegan diet would exclude all meat and animal products, but a vegetarian diet only excludes meat, poultry and seafood. A vegan would not consume anything with dairy, eggs, animal-based fat or buy products made with animal skin or hair. However, a vegetarian does not have as many restrictions. A vegetarian person would still consume non-vegan foods as long as it does not contain the meat of an animal.

 

1. Sweets

1.1 Do Halal sweets contain gelatine?

Some contain this ingredient, but it is not derived from pig. It usually has bovine origin. Furthermore, the animals which the gelatine in Halal sweets is derived from are killed following the procedure set by Islamic Law. In general, when you see a Halal stamp on a bag of sweets, you can have peace of mind that the ingredients are permissible.

1.2 What colourings are used in sweets?

Reputable brands that are known for producing high-quality products typically use natural colourings and not artificial ones. The natural colouring agents usually come from fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, carrots and blackcurrants. If you have any concerns, you should check the ingredient list just to be on the safe side.

1.3 What kinds of preservatives do Halal, vegetarian and vegan sweets contain??

They usually have only natural plant-based preservatives. The most commonly used one is citric acid. As its name shows, it is derived from citrus fruit. One interesting thing to note about it is that it has been used as a preservative for more than a century now. Malic acid is another widely used natural preservative. It is also derived from fruit.

1.4 Are there chewy vegan sweets without gelatine?

Yes, there are. Manufacturers use gelling ingredients other than gelatine, which can be derived only from animals, to create that unique feeling when you eat such sweets. At Retail Journey, we offer a growing variety of chewy vegan sweets.

1.5 Can sweets contain traces of alcohol?

This is completely out of the question in the case of Halal sweets. In general, manufacturers that make products containing alcohol are required to indicate this on the packaging. It is important to note that such sweets may qualify as vegan and vegetarian since alcohol is made from plants. At present, RetailJourney.com does not offer sweets containing alcohol.

1.6 Does the type of the sweets determine the amount of sugar in them?

Sugar is an ingredient which is vegetarian, vegan and Halal. It is not used to compensate the lack of ingredients which do not fall into these categories. A larger amount of sugar cannot “make up” for the lack of gelatine in vegan sweets, for example. This means that manufacturers are free to use recipes with any amount of sugar, based on their own discretion. If you want to buy a product with lower sugar content, you can readily compare different sweets to make the best choice.

1.7 Do you offer fat-free sweets?

Yes, at Retail Journey, we have such products on offer. You can find them in our range of vegan sweets. These products are suitable for people with sweet tooth who are on a diet and want to reward themselves for their achievements every now and then. They are also suitable for those who are concerned about their digestion. Another thing worth noting is that the fat-free sweets are regarded to be among the top choice for smaller children as their digestive system is generally more sensitive. 

1.8 Is salt present in Halal, vegetarian and vegan sweets?

Some products contain extremely small amounts of salt. This ingredient is used to enhance the sweetness of sweets without increasing the amount of sugar present in them. That is why it is present in various recipes. There is practically no way in which the salt found in sweets can have an adverse impact on your daily salt intake.

1.9 Are vegan sweets suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

Yes, they are. These sweets do not contain any ingredients derived from animal bi-products including milk. They are usually made separately from traditional products to ensure that there are no traces of undesirable ingredients in them. In general, when you buy vegan sweets from a reputable manufacturer, you can have complete peace of mind that they will be lactose-free.

1.10 Do sour sweets contain less sugar?

This depends entirely on the recipe used by the manufacturer. Generally, you can expect them to contain less sugar to the other commonly found types of sweets, but this is not a hard and fast rule. That is why it makes sense to check the sugar content when considering different products.

1.11 Do Halal, vegetarian and vegan sweets contain gluten?

While this is a plant ingredient which can be present in all of these types of products, you can readily find gluten-free sweets at RetailJourney.com. The lack of this ingredient which is dangerous for people with celiac disease is indicated in the product description. You can readily check the ingredients to be completely confident about purchasing the product.

1.12 Can spices be found in sweets?

Ingredients such as vanilla extract and cinnamon are not uncommon. Some manufacturer use more specific ingredients of this type like curcuma extract, for example. In general, these extracts are natural and can be found in sweets that qualify as vegan and vegetarian. They can be present in Halal products too, provided that the extract is not alcohol-based.

1.13 Is sugar the only “sugary” ingredient in sweets?

Manufacturers use various forms of sugar to give their products unique flavours. Glucose syrup is a commonly used ingredient. It is derived from starch. It is important to note that honey falls into this category too. It can be present in Halal and vegetarian sweets, but not in vegan products as they cannot contain ingredients which are animal by-products. At Retail Journey, we have nutrition charts for our products in addition to the full lists of ingredients on the product pages. You can check them out to find out how much sugar the sweets contain.

1.14 What is the shelf life of sweets?

Even the products with natural preservatives can last for a very long time. You just need to keep them in a tightly sealed container away from direct light and moisture. Of course, you must not use them after the expiry date. Parents of small children should be prepared to store sweets properly as youngsters are crazy about them, but should not each much on a daily basis. After all, they are treats, not snacks. At the same time, it makes sense to stock on sweets before throwing a birthday party or organizing another type of gathering for youngsters.

 

2. Baby Food

2.1 What is organic baby food exactly?

This type of food includes ingredients coming from plants and animals which have been naturally grown and raised respectively. Organic farming does not involve the use of genetically modified organisms, artificial fertilizers and pesticides. It employs natural techniques for growing and harvesting plants. Animals which are raised organically are fed only food corresponding to their natural diet. They are not given hormones and antibiotics. 

2.2 Are there some vegan ingredients excluded from vegan baby food?

Ingredients which are considered safe for adult vegans, but potentially dangerous for babies are typically excluded from vegan baby food. Examples include nuts, which could trigger an allergic reaction, and soya, which is used for making tofu and tempeh. Parents who have concerns over celiac disease can choose gluten-free products for their baby.

2.3 How is the meat used in Halal baby food produced?

Only meat coming from Halal animals is used for the preparation of these products. The list includes lamb, veal, poultry and fish. When the meat production process involves slaughtering, the applied method follows the rulings of Islamic Law. When the Halal baby food is organic, this means that the animals have been raised and fed in a natural way.

2.4 Can milk, eggs and honey be found in vegetarian baby food?

These are ingredients which should be introduces to the baby’s diet after the age of 1, according to the specialists in child nutrition. That is why you can expect to find them in vegetarian products made especially for youngsters in that age group. At Retail Journey, we strive to cater to the needs of all babies and parents and have placed product filters to help you find baby food which contains no dairy and/or eggs quickly.

2.5 Does baby food have salt?

Some products contain salt for flavour improvement. Still, you can be certain that this amount is minimal and completely safe for your baby. In general, children under the age of 1 should not consume more than 1 gram of salt per day. This corresponds to 0.4 grams of sodium. You can easily check the amount of salt which a product that you consider contains and confirm that giving it to your baby won’t exceed his/her daily consumption of salt beyond the healthy limit.

2.6 What preservatives are used in baby food?

Many products actually do not contain preservatives. The ingredients remain fresh and retain their natural properties because of the way in which they have been prepared. The baby food products which require the use of preservatives have only natural ones. The most commonly used preservative is ascorbic acid, popularly known as vitamin C. It is not only safe, but good for babies in small amounts. If you have any concerns, you simply need to read the ingredient list.

2.7 How important is the presence of meat in baby food?

Meat is regarded to be a top source of protein and some vitamins and minerals including B3, B6, B12, zinc and iron. Experts recommend that it is introduced to the baby’s diet at around 7 to 8 months. Parents who choose to give their children vegetarian or vegan baby food need to ensure that their children will receive the essential protein, vitamins and minerals from alternative sources such as legumes and vegetables.

2.8 Does baby food contain herbs and spices?

Some products include herbs. Spices are more rarely included. While herbs are considered to be suitable for babies over the age of 6 months, spices are typically reserved for the products made for children who are 12 months of age or older. In general, reputable manufacturers use only herbs and spices which are easy to digest and do not cause any stomach upset. They are often viewed as ingredients that make baby food more delicious and help children get used to “adult” food more easily eventually. Just read the label to find out if there are herbs and/or spices in the products which you are considering and check with your paediatrician, in case you have any concerns.

2.9 Do baby food products have added sugar?

The ones from reputable brands should not contain added sugar. Their sugar content should come only from the other ingredients included. Fruit, potatoes, rice and many other ingredients which are safe, healthy and recommended for babies contain some amount of sugar. To find out the sugar content of each product, just check its nutrient chart to have peace of mind that it is perfectly suitable for your baby.

2.10 When is the best time to introduce baby food?

Most paediatricians and nutritionists recommend that babies are given their first food other than breastmilk and formula between 4 and 6 months of age. Parents are often advised to watch out for signs that their child is ready to be introduced to solids. These include sitting up straight and making chewing motions. Since every child is different, it is best if you consult your paediatrician to make the best decision for your child.

2.11 What is the best way to serve baby food?

The easiest and safest approach is to serve it at room temperature. Just take an unopened pouch or jar and empty its contents into your baby’s bowl. The best way to warm baby food is to place it in a sealed glass container and then put it in hot water. Microwave warming is not recommended as heat is distributed unevenly and you risk burning the tongue of your baby even after extra careful mixing.

2.12 How do I store baby food?

Jars and pouches which have already been opened should be stored in the fridge. Just remember to seal the lid or cap tightly before you put them in. It is best if you feed the content remaining in the pouch to your baby within 24 hours after opening it. Baby food with meat, fish, poultry and eggs should be used within 24 hours after opening, no matter if it is in a jar or pouch. Opened jarred products containing only fruits and vegetables can be stored in the fridge for no more than 2 or 3 days.

 

3. Food

3.1 What makes up foods?

There are endless food varieties around us, and food composition can be explained as macros, micros, water, minerals, and organic substances such as vitamins, etc. The best way to maintain a balanced diet is to know what is in your food. There are countless sources available to learn more about food, diets, and nutritional values. 

3.2 Food Components

Firstly, remember that there are 7 major components of food: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and moisture. Everyone's body is different and has different requirements to achieve different body goals. For example, if you want to become leaner or gain more muscle, you will focus your diet on proteins and carbohydrates while minimizing fats.

3.3 Calories

Secondly, you should also know that all foods and drinks have calories (except plain water, and some drinks like black coffee could have negligible amounts of calories). Counting calories can take you to your goals faster or help you be more mindful of what you put inside your body. If you want to eat better in general, then avoid processed foods, excessive sugars, preservatives, and having too much non-organic food in your diet.

3.4 What are macros?

Macros are short for macro-nutrients, and they are divided into three main categories of nutrients: protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Counting macros is honestly the next easiest part of meal tracking. The way you would count them is in grams of each nutrient. For example, one slice of brown bread containing 75 calories has 15.5 g of carbs, 0.8 g of fat, and 2.5 g of protein.

3.5 What should I avoid eating?

Inorganic, processed foods are what you should avoid as best as possible. Many packaged and processed foods contain scary amounts of sugars, preservatives, and other substances that are terrible for your body. Don't completely refrain from your favorite snacks and treats, but moderation is key. You will be alright if you have a balanced diet between healthy foods and indulgent snacks. Overindulgence in unhealthy, processed foods and snacks is the main reason behind the alarming obesity rates around the globe. It also applied to vegans. Just because a person follows a vegan lifestyle, it does not mean they are healthy. Veganism only excludes animal products and meats, but it does not exclude sugars or other fats. Plant-based fats can be harmful, too, in excessive amounts. Even as a vegan, moderation is key. For example, vegan Oreos exist, but they are less harmful to you if you eat too much of them. If you are Muslim and want to avoid everything non-halal, you should avoid consuming products that are not certified Halal. If you live in a non-Islamic country, that might not be easy to follow to the T. However, at Retail Journey, we assure you that we would only deliver Halal products. Not only do we make a Halal lifestyle easier, but our range of vegan and vegetarian products and food items will serve you well too.

 

4. Skincare & Cosmetics

4.1 Do Halal skincare and cosmetic products contain animal-derived ingredients?

Most animal-based ingredients normally used in the cosmetics industry are regarded as haram and are not included in Halal products. There are a few exceptions, however. The most notable ones include ingredients extracted from animal bi-products. Examples include lanolin which comes from wool, hydrolysed silk, honey and beeswax. In general, when skincare and cosmetic products are certified as Halal, you can use them with confidence.

4.2 What’s the difference between vegan and vegetarian cosmetics and skincare products?

The vegan products do not contain any ingredients derived from animals or their bi-products such as milk and beeswax. Vegetarian products for the skin and body do not contain ingredients derived from the flesh of animals, but can have ones extracted from bi-products.

4.3 Do Halal fragrances contain alcohol?

Most modern perfumes and other types of fragrances are alcohol-based. However, the number of oil-based products is constantly growing to satisfy the high demand driven by Muslims. Such fragrances are undisputedly Halal. It is interesting to note that before mass manufacturing most perfumes were oil-based rather than alcohol-based.

4.4 Are all of your vegan skincare and cosmetic products cruelty-free?

It’s our goal to offer only cruelty-free products not only for vegans, but also for vegetarians and Muslims. At Retail Journey, we select carefully the brands that we work with to ensure that they don’t use animals for the testing of their formulas in any way.

4.5 Is collagen present in Halal skincare and hair care products like shampoo?

Collagen derived from pigs is haram and should not be present in any products which Muslims apply to their skin, scalp and hair. In recent years, manufacturers have started extracting collagen from fish which is not regard to be haram. In general, there are natural botanical ingredients which can stimulate collagen production in the body. Vitamin C and plant-based alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) do a good job and are present in many facial care products.

4.6 What’s so special about paraben-free and sulphate-free skincare and cosmetic products?

Parabens are artificial preservatives which have been used in the cosmetics industry for over 60 years now. Studies have revealed that they may cause hormonal imbalance and consequently increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Sulphates are potent cleansing agents, but they could cause the breakdown of protein. This, in turn, increases the risk of cellular damage and serious disease affecting the heart, lungs and liver, among other major body organs. 

4.7 What omega fatty acids are used in Halal, vegetarian and vegan skincare products?

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory effect, come primarily from fatty fish, which are regarded as Halal. Vegetarians who consume fish can also take advantage of skincare products containing omega-3 fatty acids which can help to combat, acne, rosacea and premature ageing. Omega-6 fatty acids are also good for the skin. They are derived from vegetable oils which makes them permissible ingredients in vegan, vegetarian and Halal products. The same applies to omega-9 fatty acids which come from plants.

4.8 What pigments are used in Halal, vegetarian and vegan makeup?

The pigments are natural and come either from plants or from safe inorganic sources. It is important to note that carmine, which is a red pigment made from crushed beetles, is not present in Halal and vegan makeup and other cosmetic products including ones labelled as cruelty-free. 

4.9 What makes natural ingredients better than lab-synthesized ones?

Most natural ingredients found in skincare products and cosmetics have been used by humans for thousands of years for their positive effects on the health and the looks. They are extensively studied too. While the artificial ingredients are subjected to extensive testing as well, some of their potentially harmful effects may not show up immediately. Similarly, in some cases, these effects may emerge only after extensive use. 

4.10 Are alcohol-free skincare products less potent than their counterparts?

No, they are not. While alcohol may be good for fighting bacteria and removing dirt particles and makeup from the skin, it also dries it a lot. This can cause irritation, redness and dryness. Skin dryness is a serious problem which can lead to chapping, flaking and deepening of fine lines and wrinkles. For these reasons, the modern high-quality skincare products usually don’t contain alcohol.

4.11 What are antioxidants and why are they good for the skin?

These are chemical compounds which inhibit the process of molecule oxidation. In doing so, they protect the skin cells from damage. More specifically, they protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun and help to slow down the process of aging, which is characterized by fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and skin sagginess. Most antioxidants are natural and come from plants. That is why you can expect to find them in most Halal, vegetarian and vegan skincare products.

4.12 Can fragrances in cosmetic and skincare products be harmful?

It is quite common for mass manufacturers of such products to use artificial fragrances to enhance their creations. The problem comes primarily from the fact that these fragrances contain chemical compounds called phthalates which can trigger an allergic reaction and could be harmful to the health. You can expect the all-natural vegetarian, vegan and Halal skincare products and cosmetics that you find at RetailJourney.com to be free of artificial fragrances. If any fragrances are used in the formulas, they are natural.

4.13 What are some of the most dangerous ingredients absent from all-natural skincare products?

The list includes parabens, sulphates and more specifically sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), phthalates and petrochemicals such as petrolatum, mineral oil and paraffin. If you are not sure about an ingredient found on the label, just check it online just to be on the safe side.

4.14 Which are the top moisturising ingredients found in Halal, vegan and vegetarian cosmetics?

The list includes a variety of plant-based oils. Coconut oil is used in most types of creams and especially eye creams. It is commonly present in lip balm too. Olive oil is highly-valued for its soothing and hydrating properties. It is present in many soap bars, body washes and facial care products. Avocado oil is found in various shampoos and conditioners for its deep hydration and nourishing properties.

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