Is Arby’s Halal in Canada and Turkey?

Arby’s is one of the most popular fast-food chains globally, known for its wide variety of sandwiches, sides, and beverages. However, a frequent question arises for Muslim consumers: Is Arby’s halal?

With many fast-food chains offering halal options in some countries, it’s no wonder people are curious about the status of Arby’s. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can enjoy a halal meal at Arby’s and break down the differences between its locations worldwide.

About Arby’s

Arby’s is an American fast-food sandwich restaurant chain that specializes in deli-style sandwiches, crispy sides, and more.

The chain was founded by brothers Forrest and Leroy Raffel in Boardman, Ohio, in 1964, and it quickly grew to become a fast-food staple in the U.S. Today, Arby’s operates over 3,400 restaurants worldwide, generating an impressive $3.89 billion in annual revenue.

Its signature slogan, “We Have the Meats,” reflects the brand’s focus on various types of protein-based meals, especially beef and chicken.

While Arby’s is massive in North America, its global footprint extends into several other countries, including Muslim-majority nations like Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Given its international reach, the question of whether Arby’s is halal in various locations becomes crucial for Muslim consumers.

Popular Menu Items

Some of Arby’s most popular items include the Buffalo Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Greek Gyro, and Jalapeno Bites, each offering a distinct flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

The Greek Gyro, for instance, brings a Mediterranean twist with its seasoned beef, while the Buffalo Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a favorite for those who enjoy a little spice.

Beyond sandwiches, Arby’s also offers sides like Mozzarella Sticks and Curly Fries, which have earned their own fanbase.

The menu is diverse and tempting, but for Muslim consumers, the main concern is whether these items meet halal standards. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, especially in North American locations.

Is Arby’s Halal?

Arby’s halal status is location-dependent. In countries with large Muslim populations, like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, Arby’s provides halal-certified meat, making it a suitable option for Muslims. However, in North America, Arby’s does not generally offer halal meat, and its menu contains pork and bacon items, so Muslim consumers should be cautious.

Arby’s has a substantial presence across the globe, with restaurants in countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. In these Muslim-majority nations, Arby’s has adapted to local halal requirements.

For instance, in Turkey, Arby’s offers a 100% halal menu, and they even provide halal meat certificates from certified suppliers on their website.

This ensures that all meats are slaughtered and prepared according to Islamic guidelines, making it safe for Muslims to enjoy.

However, the situation is different in North America. In the U.S. and Canada, Arby’s menu includes beef, turkey, chicken, pork, and bacon.

Nowhere on Arby’s official U.S. or Canadian websites is there any mention of using halal-certified meat. Given the presence of pork and bacon on the menu, it’s safe to assume that the meat served in these countries is not halal unless otherwise specified by individual locations.

Therefore, Muslim consumers in North America should exercise caution and avoid meat-based products at Arby’s unless they can confirm that a specific branch uses halal meat.

READ ALSO: Is Carl’s Jr. Halal in USA, Singapore and Canada?

Non-Meat Halal-Friendly Options

Despite the absence of halal-certified meat at many North American locations, Arby’s still offers several non-meat items that may be safe for Muslim consumers.

Beverages such as the Chocolate Shake, Vanilla Shake, and a range of soft drinks can be consumed without concern.

Additionally, Arby’s desserts, including the Apple Turnover, Salted Caramel Cookie, and Chocolate Chip Cookie, are popular choices that are typically free of any non-halal ingredients.

If you’re craving a snack, Arby’s famous Curly Fries and Mozzarella Sticks are great options. However, it’s important to check with the restaurant to ensure that these items are not cooked in the same oil or frying equipment used for non-halal meat, as this could lead to cross-contamination.

Even non-meat items may come into contact with non-halal substances if strict food handling protocols are not followed.

Halal Status by Region

The halal status of Arby’s varies significantly based on region, and it’s essential for Muslim consumers to be aware of these differences.

• Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey): In these countries, Arby’s adheres to strict halal guidelines, and all meat served is halal-certified. You can enjoy the full range of menu items, including meat-based sandwiches, without worry. In Turkey, for example, Arby’s provides halal certificates from authorized suppliers to assure consumers of their compliance with Islamic dietary laws.
• North America (USA, Canada): In contrast, Arby’s in the U.S. and Canada does not offer halal-certified meat. The chain’s meat options, which include beef, turkey, and chicken, are not certified halal, and pork-based products like bacon are also served. Therefore, Muslim customers should avoid the meat products unless they receive confirmation from the restaurant about halal certification.

This regional variation makes it crucial for Muslim customers to verify the halal status of specific Arby’s locations, especially when traveling between countries with differing halal standards.

Why You Should Always Verify

While some Arby’s locations in Muslim-majority countries clearly advertise their halal status, the same cannot be said for every branch globally.

Policies regarding halal certification can change depending on the franchise owner, location, and even supplier agreements.

It’s important to remember that fast-food chains, especially large ones like Arby’s, may operate differently based on local regulations and customer demands.

Even in North America, some individual franchises may choose to source halal meat due to local Muslim communities’ preferences.

However, this is not a company-wide policy, and the onus is on the customer to inquire directly at each location.

Restaurants can change their suppliers and policies over time, so what may be halal today might not be tomorrow. The most reliable way to ensure your meal is halal is to speak directly with the restaurant manager or staff.

Non-Halal Meat Alternatives and Cross-Contamination Risks

While Arby’s does offer vegetarian-friendly and non-meat options, it’s important to remain cautious about how these items are prepared.

Even though items like Curly Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, and Apple Turnovers are meat-free, cross-contamination can occur if these items are cooked in the same fryer or prepared on the same surface as non-halal meat.

To avoid cross-contamination, ask restaurant staff whether the oil and equipment used for frying non-meat items are separate from those used for cooking meat products.

If separate equipment isn’t used, there is a chance that non-halal residues could affect the halal integrity of vegetarian dishes. This step is particularly important for customers who follow strict halal dietary laws.

Final Thoughts

For those living in or visiting North America, Arby’s non-meat options like shakes, desserts, and some snacks can still be enjoyed, but it’s essential to inquire about cross-contamination risks.

Always double-check with the restaurant directly to confirm whether halal meat is available, and be proactive in seeking information about how food is prepared. By doing so, you can enjoy your meal with peace of mind, knowing that it aligns with your halal requirements.