While this is nothing new, the fact that the M&Ms sold in many countries are not suitable for a halal diet has had social-media users up in arms over the past few weeks. It all started innocently enough: @TheLifeOfBako asked M&M's UK on Twitter to clarify whether or not the chocolate snack is halal. "Hi, thanks for getting in touch," they replied that same day. "M&M's are not suitable for a halal diet. We use additives that come from animal products when we're making M&M's and traces of these can be found in sweets. "Kind regards," it signed off, casually, as if this confirmation wasn't going to shatter thousands of Muslim chocolate-lovers' illusions. Don't worry, in some countries (like here in the UAE), the company has created halal-friendly versions of its sweet. "Where we have Halal-certified products, this is indicated on the product packaging," the account added. But, back to the UK, there was a mini Twitter storm: While you can rest assured that everything sold in standard supermarket shelves, cinemas, cafes, etc in the UAE is halal, when travelling, there are a few other snacks and ingredients that you should avoid. Be careful of the below, unless it says it's halal (or suitable for vegetarians/vegans) on the packet: Skittles (some flavours) Oreos Pop Tarts Snack cakes (like Twinkies) Marshmallows Gummies Red-dye sweets Chewing gum Vanilla extract <strong>_________________</strong> <strong>Read more:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/halal-it-s-not-just-what-you-eat-1.361382">Halal: it's not just what you eat</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/comment/halal-dumplings-elusive-in-london-or-sydney-but-easy-to-find-in-abu-dhabi-1.767781">Halal dumplings? Elusive in London or Sydney, but easy to find in Abu Dhabi</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/from-the-maldives-to-malaysia-5-halal-friendly-island-retreats-1.801598">From the Maldives to Malaysia: 5 halal-friendly island retreats</a></strong> <strong>_________________</strong>