French Fries

Usually just potatoes and oil, but some restaurants fry in animal fat or use beef-tallow-based flavoring.

Why?

Plain french fries — potatoes fried in vegetable oil — are halal. However, some restaurants fry fries in beef tallow or a blend that includes animal fat, or add a beef-derived 'natural flavor' to the coating, without this always being obvious from the menu. This is a well-known point of concern at some fast-food chains, so it's worth asking about the frying oil and flavoring if you're unsure.

References

• General consensus of major halal certification bodies; scholarly opinions vary by school of thought

Last reviewed: 2026-09-08

This is informational guidance only, not a certified halal determination. Always consult an official halal certification body for certainty.