- Shilajit’s organic matter comes from plants and microbes, not animals.[1]
- Pure resin usually has no other ingredients.
- Capsules, gummies and blends may contain gelatine or other animal-derived ingredients.
- Halal and kosher status is best confirmed by a recognised certification body.
What shilajit is made from
Shilajit is a mixture of organic humic substances and plant and microbial metabolites, combined with minerals from the rock it forms in.[1] None of those components is animal-derived; see how shilajit forms. That’s why pure shilajit resin is generally considered suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Suitability by product format
| Format | Usual ingredients | Check for |
|---|---|---|
| Resin | Shilajit only | Any added ingredient on the label |
| Capsules | Shilajit plus a capsule shell | Gelatine vs plant-based (HPMC) shells |
| Gummies | Shilajit in a confectionery base | Gelatine, colourings, honey |
| Powder | Shilajit, sometimes with carriers | The carrier and any flow agents |
| Blends | Shilajit plus herbs or nutrients | Every listed ingredient |
Halal and kosher: what decides it
Because pure shilajit is plant and mineral based, the questions for halal and kosher status are mostly about everything else: added ingredients, capsule shells, processing aids, and how the product was handled. The most reliable answer is a certificate from a recognised halal or kosher certification body covering the specific product. A general statement such as “suitable for all diets” isn’t the same thing.
How to check a product
- Read the ingredientsUK food labels must list every ingredient.
- Check the formatCapsule shells and gummy bases are the usual issue.
- Look for a certificateFrom a named certification body, for that product.
- Ask the brandAbout processing aids and carriers.
More on labels: how to read a shilajit label.
Processing aids and carriers
Purification of resin normally uses water, filtration and drying, with nothing that stays in the product; see how shilajit is purified. Powders and some extracts can include carriers or flow agents to keep them free-flowing. If you follow a strict diet, ask the brand what, if anything, is used during processing and whether it remains in the finished product.
Questions to ask a brand
- Is the product shilajit only?Or are there other ingredients?
- What is the capsule shell made from?Gelatine or plant-based.
- Are any processing aids used?And do any remain in the product?
- Is it certified?By which halal, kosher or vegan body, for which product?
Frequently asked questions
Is shilajit resin vegan?
Pure shilajit resin is generally considered vegan, because its organic matter comes from plants and microbes and its minerals from rock.[1] Check the label for any added ingredients.
Are shilajit capsules vegan?
Not always. Some capsules use gelatine, which comes from animals; others use plant-based shells. The label should say which.
Is shilajit halal?
Pure shilajit contains no animal or alcohol ingredients, but halal status depends on the whole product and its processing. For certainty, look for certification from a recognised halal body.
Is shilajit kosher?
As with halal, the key questions are additives, capsule shells and processing. A kosher certificate from a recognised authority is the reliable confirmation.
Do shilajit gummies contain gelatine?
Many gummies are made with gelatine, though some use plant-based gelling agents such as pectin. Check the ingredients list.
Is shilajit suitable for vegetarians?
Pure shilajit resin contains no animal ingredients, so it is generally suitable for vegetarians.[1] Check capsules and gummies for gelatine.
Does shilajit contain alcohol?
Pure resin is purified with water and doesn’t normally contain alcohol. Liquid drops and some extracts may differ, so check the label.
Sources & further reading
Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.
- Agarwal SP, et al.. Shilajit: a review. Phytotherapy Research 21(5):401–405, 2007. doi:10.1002/ptr.2100; PMID 17295385. View source (opens in a new tab) [Review]