Religion and Dietary Choices

Christianity

The predominant religion in the UK is Christianity. Generally there are no dietary restrictions. Individuals may choose to forgo alcohol and may choose whether or not to eat meat. During Lent Christians may stop eating certain foods.

Islam

Muslims eat halal (lawful) foods, which include fruit, vegetables and eggs. Any meat and meat products they consume must be from a halal slaughtered animal. Milk and dairy foods are halal, cheese may be halal depending on ingredients. There are concerns that not all meat sold as halal actually is, so careful sourcing is important.

Haram (prohibited) foods include pork, crustaceans, blood, non-halal animal-derived additives such as gelatin or suet, alcohol and any foods containing alcohol as an ingredient.

Fasting is required during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims must refrain from consuming food, liquids and medication between sunrise and sunset. Some individuals are exempt from fasting, including pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating women, children under 12 years, older people and chronically or acutely ill people.

Hinduism

Hinduism is a diverse religion, with no central authority and with multiple scriptures and holy texts. Hindus believe that all living things have a soul, and believe in the concept of reincarnation, making Hindus reluctant to kill any living creature.

The majority of Hindus are lacto-vegetarian (avoiding meat and eggs), although some may eat lamb, chicken…