Being a convenient on-the-go snack , a health bar is packed in single packaging of 25-30g per serving . Demand and consumption of health bars have increased worldwide due to the nutritional value and versatility of the products .

They come , in various shapes and sizes , each catering to a particular group .

Athletes are the primary target demographic for health bars , but this has steadily grown to include a broader range of consumers , including students and professionals . The display shelves of health bars within grocery stores have changed dramatically in recent years .

From a very niche section to a big cereal aisle that fills the shelves as much as the breakfast cereals . It indicates the increased demand , which also means a favourable boost for the global health bar market .

DOES A HEALTH BAR FIT THE HALALAN TOYIBBAN REALM ?

The term “ health bar ” seems promising , especially in benefitting human health . The idea to manufacture a health snack bar is greatly influenced by the campaign on “ low-calorie ,” “ low-sugar ,” and “ low-salt ” food products , anticipating a high percentile of choices .

A health bar should contain excellent ingredients that can provide additional essential nutrients and is deemed halalan toyibban . However , several arising issues may be a second thought .

When it comes to food products , their ingredients and sources are the primary concern , particularly for Muslims . Controversy has emerged regarding some components of the health bar , compromising its halal status .

The failure to declare the use of non-halal ingredients on the label has backstabbed the consumers .

This is where appropriate and pinpoint food labelling , including the halal logo , plays a pivotal role in helping consumers to choose the best health bars in the market .

With an intact halal certification process , compliance with halal is pretty much apparent based on the logo , but worryingly , the toyyib aspect can be vague , questionable and misleading .

Hiding behind the word “ healthy ”, the nutritional value of a health bar can deteriorate by having high-calorie , high sugar , and

BY NOOR YUSLIDA HAZAHARI

AND

NURUL AUNI MOHD NOOR

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HALAL TRAINING AND RESEARCH ( INHART ) INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA ( IIUM )

high sodium content and artificial flavouring and colouring , distressing the toyyiban part .

Many snack bars in the market have falsely claimed using the term “ health ” despite containing an impeccable amount of sugar by irresponsible manufacturers focusing only on profit gain .

To answer whether the health bar can fit in the halalan toyibban realm , the mentioned issues should be resolved .

With the help from health bar producers to constantly keep track and ensure the ingredients used , sources of raw materials , and whole processes involved comply with the halal accreditation rules and regulations on top of tackling controversial issues as assurance that they are only using raw ingredients from halalan toyibban sources , the health bar can surely fit in .

UNDERSTANDING THE HOLISTIC DEFINITION OF HALALAN TOYIBBAN FOOD

Islam emphasises Muslims eat halalan toyibban food to live a meaningful and balanced life . Halal food is any food permissible to consume , as mentioned in the Qur ’ an and Hadith .

Meanwhile , toyyib complements halal wholesomely . While a high-calorie and sugardense food can be halal , it is missing out on the toyyiban aspect .

Toyyib suggests that food should be of good quality , pure and safe , contain moderate portions of artificial additives , be environmentally friendly and preserve the sources of the ingredients ( i . e ., animal welfare ).

Therefore , halalan toyibban food is relevant to more than just dietary requirements . It also covers every aspect of the food system ( i . e ., raw material , processes , packaging , marketing , and distribution ) as it eliminates harmful elements to human health and the environment .

Together , the halalan toyibban can

produce a holistic individual physically and spiritually , with the primary intention of worshipping Allah the Almighty .

HEALTH BARS CAN BE A PART OF THE HALALAN TOYIBBAN LIFESTYLE

The rapid growth of healthy bars due to the promising health benefits for consumers has increased its market variability .

A health bar can be categorised into four different types : cereal-based bar , energy bar , fruit-based bar , and vegetable-based bar , each representing different target consumers and consumption purposes .

Meeting the needs of different target consumers , truly halalan toyibban healthy bars can be positioned as part of the halalan toyibban lifestyle . The different types of healthy bars can be categorised as below : 1 . Cereal-based bar The cereal-based bar has good market adaptability due to its excellent nutrient content and capability to be blended with different ingredients for specific target groups , resulting in high consumer acceptance .

As an excellent nutrient-delivering vehicle , a cereal bar has become consumers ’ first choice to substitute less-healthy snacks . As a wholesome , healthy bar , it contributes to preserving human health , a part of the halalan toyibban lifestyle . 2 . Energy bar The energy bar is frequently consumed by athletes and consumers who practice active lifestyles due to the enormous amount of nutrients it possesses . The current trend of incorporating high-protein ingredients in energy bars has become extremely popular .

The incorporation of high protein to help muscle tissue growth and offer vigour and vitality for long-term physical and mental activity . Practising a healthy and active lifestyle is a must for Muslims to ensure the continuity of their well-being .

Thus , this type of healthy bar would match

Toyyib suggests that food should be of good quality , pure and safe , contain moderate portions of artificial additives , be environmentally friendly and preserve the sources of the ingredients ( i . e ., animal welfare ). ”