Blog

Ingredient guides for shoppers and developer notes on how HalalScan is built.

Developer

How HalalScan is built: rules engine, keywords, and architecture

How the open-source HalalScan app decides halal status today — deterministic keywords first, AI deliberately off — and what we are considering for a future layer.

May 20, 2026

Ingredient guides

Colorings

Is carmine (E120) halal?

Carmine is a red food coloring made from crushed insects. It appears in yogurt, juice, candy, and cosmetics. Here's everything you need to know.

March 10, 2025

Additives

The Muslim's guide to E-numbers

E-numbers are EU codes for food additives. Some are derived from haram sources. This guide covers which ones to watch out for.

February 1, 2025

Ingredients

What is gelatin and why is it haram?

Gelatin is one of the most common hidden animal-derived ingredients in processed foods. Here's what it is, where it hides, and how to spot it.

January 15, 2025