Halal Food in the USA: How a $43 Billion Market Is Shaping the Future of Eating

Picture yourself in 2025, walking through a bustling supermarket in Ohio. Among shelves stacked with familiar American brands, a brightly lit aisle stands out—dedicated entirely to halal-certified foods. The selection ranges from grass-fed beef and frozen meals to dairy-free ice creams, all stamped with the halal seal of approval. What’s striking isn’t only the range of options, but the diversity of shoppers—Muslim families, young professionals, and health-conscious millennials—all united by an interest in quality, ethics, and inclusivity.

What was once a niche market has quietly grown into a nationwide movement, redefining how Americans think about food. The U.S. halal market, valued at $25.9 billion in 2023, is expected to soar to $43.2 billion by 2033, growing at a steady CAGR of 5.1%. While the Muslim American community of 4.45 million remains central to this growth, the surge is equally powered by non-Muslim consumers who see halal not only as a religious standard, but as a symbol of transparency, sustainability, and healthier eating.

Why Non-Muslims Are Choosing Halal

Recent surveys highlight a surprising reality: 35% of U.S. halal buyers are not Muslim. For many, halal’s reputation for clean, hormone-free meat and humane slaughter practices aligns with modern values around health and animal welfare. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, view halal as compatible with their priorities of sustainability and ethical consumption.

Take Sarah Thompson, a yoga instructor from Chicago, who switched to halal chicken after learning about its slaughter standards. “It feels more respectful, and the meat tastes fresher,” she says. This crossover appeal mirrors the acceptance of kosher foods in the 20th century, when non-Jews embraced kosher products for quality and safety reasons.

Halal in Mainstream Retail and Dining

Today, halal is no longer confined to specialty stores. Major retailers like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods carry halal-certified snacks, meats, and frozen products. Large corporations are responding: Tyson Foods offers halal nuggets, Nestlé produces halal chocolates, and even fast-food chains such as Burger King and Shake Shack serve halal burgers in select U.S. cities.

This mainstreaming not only meets Muslim consumer demand but also makes halal part of the American culinary experience, breaking down cultural barriers.

The Rise of Halal Plant-Based Products

As flexitarian and plant-based diets continue to expand—39% of Americans identified as flexitarian in 2023—halal-certified vegan and vegetarian options are booming. Companies like Impossible Foods and Oatly now offer halal-approved plant-based burgers and oat milk, free from alcohol-derived additives.

For young Muslims who balance faith with modern lifestyles, these innovations are a breakthrough. By 2033, analysts predict plant-based halal foods could account for 20% of the market, boosted by developments in lab-grown meat and dairy-free alternatives.

Technology, Transparency, and Trust

Digital tools are also shaping the halal revolution. Apps like Scan Halal allow shoppers to verify certifications instantly, while blockchain-powered systems ensure transparency from farm to table. A QR code on a halal beef package might soon show the entire supply chain, offering consumers peace of mind.

Meanwhile, online platforms like Amazon and WeHalal have made halal foods accessible to communities in smaller towns. Subscription meal kits for halal recipes—ranging from biryani to tacos—are rapidly gaining popularity, especially during Ramadan. By 2033, online sales are projected to make up 30% of the halal food market.

Challenges Facing the Halal Industry

Despite its rapid growth, the halal sector still faces obstacles. A fragmented certification system—with more than 50 different halal certifying bodies in the U.S.—creates consumer confusion. Some accept mechanical slaughter while others require hand-slaughter. Calls for a unified national standard are growing louder, but progress is slow.

Other challenges include limited certified slaughterhouses, which keep prices 10–20% higher than conventional meat, and persistent misconceptions that halal is limited to Middle Eastern cuisine. Industry leaders argue that broader marketing—highlighting halal tacos, sushi, and burgers—could attract wider audiences and break stereotypes.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Halal food is not just about consumption—it’s also about community and commerce. In 2023, the industry supported more than 150,000 U.S. jobs and created thriving hubs in cities like Dearborn, Minneapolis, and Atlanta. Halal food festivals and food trucks are now common sights, drawing diverse crowds and fostering cultural exchange.

Events like the annual Los Angeles Halal Food Festival showcase everything from halal dim sum to gourmet cheeses, underscoring halal’s place in America’s multicultural identity.

Looking Ahead to 2033

By the next decade, halal will be firmly established as a mainstream food category in the U.S. Supermarkets will expand dedicated halal sections, fast-casual halal dining will thrive, and sustainability practices will become industry norms. America’s halal exports—currently valued at $2.1 billion—are expected to triple, especially to high-demand markets like Malaysia and the UAE.

For consumers, halal-certified products are more than a dietary choice—they represent values of ethics, transparency, and inclusion. For businesses, the market presents vast opportunities for innovation and growth. And for society, the rise of halal is reshaping America’s food culture into something more diverse and connected than ever before.

Halal is no longer just a market. It’s a movement.