Acculturation of Halal Food to the American Food Culture through Immigration and Globalization

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this meta-analysis study is to examine the acculturation process of halal food to the American food culture. Further, is to determine the effects the acculturation of halal food on the consumer and food economy in the U.S. and globally. Irrespective of where a Muslim resides or travels to, consuming halal food is an obligatory religious dietary requirement for all Muslims worldwide. According to recent census estimates, there are nearly 3.3 million Muslims living in the U.S. This number represents nearly 1% of the total U.S. population. By 2050, this number will more than double. The U.S. is considered a melting pot of a mélange of many ethnic groups and is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse countries in the world. Through both Muslims immigration to the U.S. and trade globalization, halal food was introduced to the American food culture. Migrant Muslims have not brought only their Islamic religious traditions to the U.S., but also their traditional halal food preparation, including butchering of animals for consumption, their distinct cooking styles, and other Islamic dietary practices. This paper offers an analysis of the process of acculturation and transition of halal food products to both the Muslim and non-Muslim American consumers. This paper further examines the impact of the burgeoning halal food economy on the U.S. food industry and its share of the growing global halal food economy. There a need for further research to study the long-term socioeconomic and environmental sustainability impact on growing global Muslim populations living in low-income counties.