Whey

Generally halal, but doubtful if made using animal rennet from a non-halal-slaughtered source.

Why?

Whey is the liquid byproduct of cheesemaking. On its own it is a dairy product and permissible, but because most whey is produced using rennet to curdle the milk first, its status is tied to the rennet source (see the rennet entry). Whey made with microbial or halal-sourced animal rennet is halal; whey from cheese made with undisclosed animal rennet is doubtful.

Good to know

Common in protein powders, crackers, and processed snack foods.

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.