Are Cheetos Halal? A Detailed Guide For Muslims

Cheetos are crunchy, corn based cheesy snacks with addictively delicious taste. These snacks are found in nearly all major countries with many flavours. Cheetos are liked by everyone, from children to adults, making them the most sold snacks when it comes to savoury taste.

However,  they are liked by all, many Muslim consumers— especially living in Non Muslim countries often want to know “Are Cheetos Halal?” The answer to this question is not simple. As cheetos are sold in different regions with different religious and dietary preferences, they are not universally Halal.

Muslim majority countries like Pakistan , Saudi Arabia and the UAE have halal certified Cheetos. While other countries having Muslims as minority have Cheetos with Mushbooh status. Let us explore in detail the ingredients in Cheetos to determine where and which Cheetos are Halal?

Cheetos, a famous snack brand, was founded in 1948 by Charles Elmer Doolin.  Currently owned by Frito-Lay, Cheetos has expanded globally, reaching 36 countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, and various European and Middle Eastern nations.

With its flavourful cheesy taste the snack brand successfully launched over 30 different flavours, ranging from classic to spicy, to cater all the consumers. Cheetos also introduces limited edition snacks from time to time like sweet chilli, honey BBQ and sweet nacho cheese. However, flavours such as Flamin’ Hot, Crunchy, and Cheetos Puffs remain the talk of the town.

Common Cheetos ingredients with their Halal, Haram or mushbooh status is given below:

Cornmeal

It is a common staple food, obtained from dried corn. It is a plant based ingredient and used as a base in snacks. It is Halal.

Vegetable Oil

Different vegetable oils are used for different flavours.  The Most commonly used oils are Corn, Canola and Sunflower. They are halal also, for being derived from plants.

Cheese Powder

It is the main ingredient in cheetos snacks obtained using rennet. Its halal or haram status depends on the source of rennet. If microbial rennet is used it is halal otherwise haram, if halal logo is not displayed on packaging.

Whey Protein 

It is Halal only if sourced from known halal , otherwise it is mushbooh. It is Halal if sourced from halal-certified dairy, but can be haram depending on the source.

Salt 

It is a natural halal mineral. 

Natural and Artificial Flavours 

Flavours derived from plants are considered as halal. And animal based or alcohol based flavours are haram. 

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

It enhances  the flavour of chips and is usually obtained by fermentation of sugar on sugar cane or sugar beet. Being a plant based ingredient, it is also Halal.

Lactic Acid

It is sourced from plants or dairy. This ingredient is also halal.

Sugar

Sugar used in Cheetos  is obtained from sugarcane and considered as halal.

Colouring Agents

Different types of colouring agents are used like yellow 6, yellow 5 and red 40 depending on colour and flavours of chips. They are produced synthetically and are generally halal.

Note : All the ingredients discussed above are plant based and are considered halal. The only doubtful thing is cheese powder. Always check for  a halal logo or research the specific  source of  cheese powder in your country. 

• Cheetos Crunchy (Original) It is plant based flavour without animal rennet. So, it is potentially Halal.
• Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Limon This flavour is made without using animal rennet. It can also be considered halal.
• Cheetos Puffs Simply White Cheddar Jalapeño (Organic) It is Usually halal as its cheese flavour is made by  microbial (non-animal) enzymes and organic ingredients.
• Cheetos Baked Crunchy It is also made of plant based ingredients and flavours. It is considered as halal , because the doubtful material is cheese with animal rennet.

Following are doubtful Cheetos flavours in countries where halal certification is not mandatory.

• Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Cheddar Jalapeño
• Cheetos Paws 
• Cheetos XXtra Flamin’ Hot 
• Cheetos Crunchy Cheese 
• Cheetos Puffs
• Cheetos Spicy Nacho

Cheetos halal status depends on which country you are in. It is 100 % halal certified in countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Qatar.

In Non Muslim countries like the USA, UK, Spain and Canada it is not Halal certified. Another exception is Australia, where 90% flavours are doubtful. Tips for Ensuring Halal Food:

• Always check for the Halal logo.
• Read ingredients carefully, avoiding those with animal based products.
• Choose vegan options with no alcohol.
• Use Halal apps specific to the country.
• Check imported products for labels like MUI, JAKIM, HMC and IFANCA.
• Shop in Muslim–majority communities, as they often import and stock Halal certified products.

This article aimed to explore the Halal status of Cheetos. They are Halal in countries with mandatory halal certification but are doubtful in European countries. Some plant derived flavours are assumed to be Halal due to absence of animal derived ingredients.

However, there is a risk of cross contamination during manufacturing. It is better for Muslims to avoid Cheetos and opt for some other halal options.