Is It Permissible to Consume Food to Which Alcohol Has Been Added for Flavor?

Question: Is it is permissible to consume food to which alcohol has been added for flavor?

Answer: Dear questioner,

Thank you kindly for your important question.

If wine is used in the preparation of food, it is unconditionally forbidden to consume, even if the alcohol evaporates in the process (al-Hidaya, Marghinani).

That said one should check that the item of food does actually have wine in it before throwing it away.

This is different from using alcohol as a chemical tool in a process to extract flavors or scents, as is the case with vanilla extract.

Please also see: Is Vanilla Essence Impermissible When It Contains Alcohol?

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language