Vegetable Shortening

Made purely from vegetable oils — halal, though check for co-mingled animal fat in some blends.

Why?

Vegetable shortening is produced by hydrogenating plant oils and contains no animal-derived ingredients, making it halal. Some older or regional shortening blends mix in animal fat (e.g. lard-blended shortening); if the label says only 'vegetable shortening' or lists only plant oils, it is halal.

Good to know

Distinct from plain 'shortening', which in some markets can include animal fat — check the ingredient list for oil sources.

References

• General consensus of major halal certification bodies

Last reviewed: 2026-08-29

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