Is collagen halal?
Depends on the source
- Usually made from
- Cattle, pig or fish skin and bones
- Vegan
- No
What is collagen?
Collagen is the main protein in skin, bones and tendons. Food and supplement collagen is extracted from animal skins and bones and usually broken down into smaller pieces (hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides). Gelatin is collagen that has been partly broken down and sets as a gel.
Why it's marked “Depends on the source”
Collagen is only as halal as its source. Pig skin is one of the main raw materials, which is not halal. Collagen from fish is widely accepted, and bovine collagen is accepted when it comes from animals slaughtered the halal way. Because “collagen” on its own doesn't name the animal, a product without more detail is uncertain.
Where views differ
As with gelatin, some scholars hold that heavy processing changes the substance completely (istihalah), so the original animal no longer matters, while others do not accept this for pig-derived collagen. Most halal certifiers only certify fish or halal-slaughtered bovine collagen.
How to check the label
Look for “marine collagen” or “fish collagen”, or “bovine collagen” together with a halal certificate from a recognised body. Avoid products that say “porcine” or don't state the source, unless the maker confirms it.
Where you'll find it
- collagen powders and drinks
- protein bars
- beauty supplements
- some yoghurts and snacks
Good to know
- EU rules list bones, cattle hides, pig skins, poultry skin, tendons and fish skin and bones as permitted raw materials for food collagen.
- Supplement labels often say “hydrolysed collagen” or “collagen peptides”; neither tells you the animal.
Ingredients people often ask about
See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker
This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is collagen halal?
Depends on the source. Collagen is only as halal as its source. Pig skin is one of the main raw materials, which is not halal. Collagen from fish is widely accepted, and bovine collagen is accepted when it comes from animals slaughtered the halal way. Because “collagen” on its own doesn't name the animal, a product without more detail is uncertain.
What is collagen made from?
Collagen is the main protein in skin, bones and tendons. Food and supplement collagen is extracted from animal skins and bones and usually broken down into smaller pieces (hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides). Gelatin is collagen that has been partly broken down and sets as a gel.
Is collagen vegan?
No. Collagen only comes from animals; products sold as vegan collagen contain other ingredients meant to support the body’s own collagen.