No. Unfortunately, Drumstick Squashies are not considered halal-friendly, vegan or vegetarian, as they contain gelatin, a protein derived from the skin of pigs, which is not considered halal. This makes Drumstick Squashies unsuitable for Muslims who follow a halal diet that excludes all pork products.
Squashies are the delightful and chewy treats that many enjoy, but the question on many minds is, “Are they halal?” Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk a bit about Squashies and the concept of halal.
What Are Squashies?
When you think of sweet, squishy, and fun candy, Squashies might come to mind. These candies have a distinctive texture, reminiscent of marshmallows, and come in a variety of flavors that make them a favorite among many.
Originally introduced by Swizzels, a renowned candy brand, Squashies offer a refreshing twist on traditional candies. They’re soft, chewable, and come with a burst of flavors that can truly tantalize your taste buds. What sets Squashies apart from other candies isn’t just their taste, consistency, and experience.
However, as with many gummy-type candies, the ingredients used in Squashies can raise questions, especially for those following specific dietary guidelines like halal.
Are Squashies Halal?
No, Squashies are not Halal. The various Squashies products contain pork gelatine, an ingredient not permitted in Halal diets. Consuming pork and its derivatives is strictly prohibited in Islam. The presence of pork gelatine in Squashies makes them unsuitable for Muslims.
For those who adhere to a Halal lifestyle, it’s essential to recognize and understand the ingredients of what they consume. The gelatine found in Squashies highlights the importance of diligent inspection and consideration of the products we eat.
The popularization of Squashies and the recognition of their non-Halal status bring about an opportunity for candy manufacturers. By creating Halal-friendly alternatives, companies can tap into a growing market of conscious consumers.
Are Squashies Vegetarian Or Vegan?
No, Squashies are not Vegan or vegetarian. It’s like discovering a hidden layer in a favorite dessert, only to find that it doesn’t align with your values. Gelatine is the culprit, and it’s present in all the variants, including Drumstick Squashies Original Big Bag and Squashies Minions.
Think of a favorite childhood memory of a candy that would melt in your mouth and leave a trail of happiness. That’s what Squashies might evoke. However, the presence of gelatine puts a barrier between this treat and those following a vegetarian lifestyle.
Some may argue that a small ingredient like gelatine shouldn’t make a difference. But for many vegetarians, it’s a matter of principle and personal choice. The market is filled with alternatives, so if you are a vegetarian looking for something chewy and sweet without compromising your beliefs, there are other candies you can explore.
Squashies Common Used Ingredients List:
1- Drumstick Squashies Original
Ingredients: Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Gelatine; Modified Starch, Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate; Flavourings, Apple Pulp, Glazing Agents: Vegetable Oils (palm, Palm Kernel, Coconut), Carnauba wax; Colour: Anthocyanin.
2- Drumstick Squashies Bubblegum
Ingredients: Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Gelatine; Modified Starch, Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate; Apple Pulp (contains Preservative: Sulphur Dioxide), Spirulina, Glazing Agents: Vegetable Oils (palm, Palm Kernel, Coconut), Carnauba wax; Flavourings, Colour: Black Carrot Extract.
3- Drumstick Squashies Rhubarb & Custard
Ingredients: Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Gelatine; Modified Starch, Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate; Apple Pulp, Flavourings, Glazing Agents: Vegetable Oils (palm, Palm Kernel, Coconut), Carnauba wax; Colours: Black Carrot Extract, Lutein, Paprika Extract.
4- Drumstick Squashies Sour Cherry And Apple
Ingredients: Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Gelatine; Modified Starch, Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate; Apple Pulp (contains Preservative: Sulphur Dioxide), Flavourings, Glazing Agents: Vegetable Oils (palm, Palm Kernel, Coconut), Carnauba wax; Colours: Black Carrot Extract, Copper Chlorophyllin.
5- Drumstick Squashies Original Big Bag
Ingredients: Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Gelatine; Modified Starch, Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate; Flavourings, Apple Pulp, Glazing Agent: Carnauba wax; Colour: Anthocyanin.
6- Squashies Minions
Ingredients: Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Gelling Agent: Gelatine; Modified Starch, Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate; Apple Pulp, Spirulina, Glazing Agents: Vegetable Oils (palm, Palm Kernel, Coconut), Carnauba wax; Flavourings, Colour: Lutein.
Final Thoughts
Squashies have indeed made a name for themselves in the candy world, but their inclusion of pork gelatine puts them off the menu for those adhering to Halal dietary guidelines. This article sought to clarify the topic, shedding light on the ingredients, flavors, and answering key questions.
The knowledge about what goes into our food is empowering and essential for those adhering to specific dietary regulations. Like a mysterious candy wrapper, sometimes we need to peel back the layers to understand what’s inside truly.
The journey doesn’t end here for candy enthusiasts looking for Halal alternatives. Many brands offer Halal-certified candies, providing the same joy and flavor without compromising beliefs.
FAQ
Questions you might have:
What type of gelatine is in Squashies?
Squashies contain pork gelatine.
Does Squashies have pork gelatine?
Yes. As mentioned, Squashies do contain pork gelatine.
Do Squashies have beef gelatin?
No. There’s no information indicating the presence of beef gelatin in Squashies.