Coffee clubs and subscription services can be an ideal way to ensure you always have your favorite cup on hand, or sample different beans from smaller roasters. Many also make it simple to switch up your brew without long-term commitments; however, for Muslim coffee drinkers there can be concerns as to whether these plans are considered halal.

Answering whether a coffee club is halal is dependent on what and how much is consumed, with alcohol being considered an inebriating agent that must not contribute to drunkenness or have inebriating properties. According to Dar al-Ifta’s Fatwa on Halal Food and Beverages all forms of coffee are halal as long as it does not contain ingredients considered unlawful (haram).

Some of the more frequently found haram ingredients in coffee include milk and sugar. Milk should come from cows not treated with hormones and be boiled to remove fat; additionally, too much sugar consumption may pose health issues.

Cream and chocolate may also contain ingredients considered forbidden under Islam, as these products contain animal fat as well as gelatin made from pork gelatin. To avoid consuming such items, dairy-free options or plain milk and sugar may be better options.

As for chocolate, there are various halal-friendly varieties on the market – nearly all popular US brands contain ingredients approved as suitable for Islamic consumption, except certain Ghirardelli and Lindt varieties.

Not looking to commit fully? Online coffee clubs also provide one-time sends of ground or whole beans for those looking for a flexible option, while many feature quizzes or questionnaires to help find your ideal cadence and brew. While these services don’t offer as many conveniences, they’re an excellent way to explore new coffees while searching for your ideal cup.