What Does Halal Meat Mean? An Introduction to Faith-Based Food Choices

For many, eating halal isn’t just about what's on the plate—it’s about respecting deeply held beliefs and making mindful food choices. But, what does halal meat mean? Whether you're newly exploring halal options or want to better understand what sets halal meat apart, it helps to start with the fundamentals.

“Halal meat refers to meat that’s been sourced, prepared, and processed in accordance with Islamic dietary laws,” says Ronneil Ramlal, CEO of Protein Chefs. “But beyond that, halal is about quality, cleanliness, and integrity at every step of the process—from how the animal is raised to how it’s handled in the kitchen.”

In this blog post, you’ll learn:

• What does halal meat mean?
• What type of meat is considered halal?
• How halal meat is raised and prepared
• Halal meat vs organic vs grass-fed
• Halal meat vs haram (non-halal) meat
• Where to find halal foods

Let’s get into it.

What Does Halal Meat Mean?

Halal meat refers to meat that is prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. It's an important part of daily life for millions of Muslims around the world, including many families across Canada. In cities like Toronto, halal food options are widely available and often sought after not only for religious reasons but also for their emphasis on quality and cleanliness.

A Bit of Background

The word halal means “permissible” in Arabic. In Islam, this term applies to many aspects of life, but it’s most commonly used when talking about food. Halal guidelines help ensure that food is lawful, ethically sourced, and prepared in a way that aligns with Islamic teachings.

Choosing halal meat is a meaningful decision for those who follow Islamic faith. It reflects a commitment to following religious principles and eating food that’s handled with care and respect.

What Makes Meat Halal?

For meat to be considered halal, it must meet specific criteria:

• Only certain animals are allowed, such as cows, chickens, goats, and sheep. Pork and its byproducts are always excluded.
• The animal must be healthy at the time of slaughter.
• The slaughter must be performed by a Muslim who is of sound mind.
• The name of Allah must be spoken before the cut is made—usually “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of God, God is the Greatest).
• The blood must be fully drained from the animal’s body after slaughter.

This process, known as Dhabihah, is intended to be quick, respectful, and minimize the animal’s suffering.

 

What Type Of Meat Is Considered Halal?

Not all meat is halal—even if it comes from an animal that’s typically allowed in a halal diet. For meat to be truly halal, both the type of animal and the way it was raised and slaughtered must meet Islamic dietary guidelines.

Common Types of Halal Meat:

• Beef – Halal-certified beef must come from cattle that were healthy at the time of slaughter and processed according to Dhabihah.
• Ground beef – Like whole cuts, halal ground beef must come from properly slaughtered animals and processed in a certified facility to prevent cross-contamination.
• Chicken – One of the most commonly available halal proteins. It must still be slaughtered properly with the name of Allah invoked.
• Lamb and goat – These meats are halal if slaughtered correctly. Not all lamb is halal—labeling and certification matter.
• Game meats (e.g., venison) – Permitted if they meet halal criteria, but less common.
• Seafood – Most Islamic scholars consider all forms of seafood halal by default, though interpretations can vary slightly across communities.

What Animals Are Not Halal (Haram)?

Certain animals are explicitly forbidden (haram) under Islamic law, no matter how they’re raised or prepared. These include:

• Pork and all pork byproducts (e.g., ham, bacon, lard, gelatin made from pork)
• Carnivorous animals (e.g., lions, wolves, dogs, cats)
• Birds of prey (e.g., hawks, eagles, vultures)
• Reptiles and insects
• Dead animals that were not properly slaughtered
• Blood or blood-based products

How can you tell if an animal is halal-permissible? To determine whether an animal is allowed in a halal diet, there are a few key signs to look for based on Islamic dietary principles:  Permissible (halal) animals generally: Are herbivores (they eat plants, not meat) Have a cloven (split) hoof Chew their cud (they're ruminants, like cows and goats) Live on land (most land animals must be properly slaughtered; seafood is generally exempt) Not permissible (haram) animals often: Eat meat or are scavengers (e.g., lions, wolves, vultures) Do not have a cloven hoof or chew cud (e.g., pigs, horses) Are reptiles or insects Die on their own or are improperly slaughtered

How Is Halal Meat Raised And Prepared?

Halal meat is guided by principles that emphasize cleanliness, ethical treatment of animals, and careful preparation. From the farm to your plate, the way halal meat is raised and prepared plays an important role in why many people (not just Muslims) seek it out.

Thoughtful Animal Care

While halal certification doesn’t mandate organic or grass-fed farming, many halal producers aim to meet high standards when it comes to how animals are raised. This includes:

• Providing clean water and nutritious food
• Maintaining humane living conditions
• Avoiding the use of unnecessary antibiotics or synthetic hormones
• Minimizing stress throughout the animal’s life

Many consumers choose halal because they trust that the meat was sourced from farms that care about the well-being of their animals.

Clean And Careful Preparation

Cleanliness (taharah) is a major tenet of halal food preparation. From the equipment used to the facilities where meat is processed, hygiene standards are carefully maintained. This attention to cleanliness helps ensure:

• No cross-contamination with non-halal products
• Safe handling of raw meat
• Proper storage and transportation practices

Is Halal Meat Grass-Fed? Is Halal Meat Organic?

Not always. Halal, organic, and grass-fed are three different labels—each with its own standards and certification process.

Here's how they compare:

• Halal refers to how the animal is raised, slaughtered, and processed according to Islamic dietary laws.
• Organic refers to how the animal is fed and raised—usually without synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, or GMOs.
• Grass-fed refers to the animal’s diet, meaning it primarily ate grass rather than grains.

Can Halal Meat Also Be Organic Or Grass-Fed? Yes. Many halal meat suppliers go beyond religious requirements and offer halal meat that’s also certified organic, grass-fed, or both. But these are separate certifications. Just because meat is halal doesn’t mean it’s organic or grass-fed—and vice versa.

Halal Vs. Haram (Non-Halal) Meat: What’s the Difference?

If you're new to halal food, it can be helpful to see how it differs from haram (non-halal) meat. While both may look similar on the shelf or plate, the sourcing and preparation process follow very different rules. 

Criteria	Halal Meat	Non-Halal Meat
Slaughter method	Dhabihah: cut to the throat with prayer	Varies; often mechanical or includes stunning
Religious invocation	Required	Not required
Blood drainage	Fully drained	Not always required
Performed by	A practicing Muslim	No religious requirement
Spiritual significance	Part of religious practice	Not linked to religion
Certification	Certified by halal authorities; must also meet food safety standards (e.g., CFIA)	No halal certification; general food safety standards applies

 

Note: Halal certification covers religious requirements, but producers must also pass regular food safety inspections from health authorities like the CFIA. Halal food must meet both spiritual and safety standards to be approved for sale.

Read these next: Build Muscle and Lose Weight With These 13 Superfoods! What Does Food Prepping Mean? Learn How People Stay Healthier with Meal Kits

 

Where Can I Buy Halal Meat?

Halal meat is widely available in Canada, especially in diverse cities like Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, and Vancouver. You can find halal-certified options at:

• Local halal butcher shops or ethnic grocery stores
• Mainstream grocery stores with halal sections (look for certification on the label)
• Online halal meat retailers that deliver to your door
• Meal services like Protein Chefs, which prepare fully halal-certified meals using trusted, Halal-certified suppliers

Whether you’re cooking at home or want ready-made options, always look for certification from recognized halal authorities—and don’t hesitate to ask questions about sourcing or preparation.

Certified Halal Meals + Convenience? Rely On Protein Chefs

If you follow a halal diet, you already know the importance of trusting where your food comes from. At Protein Chefs, we take that trust seriously. Every halal meal we offer is made with certified halal meat, sourced from reputable suppliers, and prepared in a facility that prioritizes quality, cleanliness, and care.

Whether you're looking to eat healthier, save time, or simply enjoy delicious halal meals without second guessing what’s in your food—we’ve got you covered.

✅ Certified halal (by HMA) beef, chicken, and more

✅ Prepared fresh by professional chefs

✅ Delivered right to your door across the GTA and Ottawa

Explore the halal meal options at Protein Chefs today. Experience food that fits your needs exactly—no compromise necessary.