The issue of purchasing products linked to Israel has become increasingly important for consumers in Pakistan particularly in the context of ongoing political and humanitarian concerns surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many Pakistanis, driven by solidarity with Palestine, are choosing to boycott Israeli-linked products and support local or alternative brands instead. According to OEC.world, over the past five years, Israeli exports to Pakistan have decreased at an annualized rate of 21.9%.
While Pakistan does not have direct trade relations with Israel, many multinational companies operating in Pakistan are believed to either support, fund or have affiliations with Israel in some form. In this thorough article, our Tashheer research team has compiled a list of products and companies that are commonly believed to be linked with Israel and provides suitable alternatives available in the Pakistani market.
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Understanding the Boycott Movement
McDonald’s has come under fire after its Israeli branch gave free meals to the Israeli army, sparking global backlash. This has fueled debate over whether global brands should be held accountable for their role in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a peaceful campaign, urges people to stop supporting companies that help oppress Palestinians. For example, HP has been accused of aiding Israeli surveillance through a biometric ID system. The movement is gaining support in countries like Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt where people strongly support Palestine. In response, consumers in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Malaysia and Pakistan are boycotting brands such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Carrefour and Domino’s for their alleged ties to Israel.
List of Israeli-Linked Products Commonly Found in Pakistan
Below are some brands and products frequently highlighted by activists and BDS supporters for their direct or indirect links with Israel:
Coca-Cola
Financial support and investment in Israel; presence of a bottling plant in Israeli settlements. Its alternative options in Pakistan include:
- Pakola
- Gourmet Cola
- Mehran Cola
- Amrat Cola
- NEXT Cola
PepsiCo Products (Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Lays, Cheetos, Tropicana, Aquafina, etc.)
Strong economic presence in Israel; operations and donations linked to Israeli institutions.
Its alternative options in Pakistan include:
- Mezan Chips
- Kurleez
- Amrat beverages
- Gourmet juices and water
Nestlé
Investment in Israel and partnership with Israeli companies.
Its alternative options in Pakistan include:
- Millac (for dairy)
- Haleeb
- Nurpur
- Olper’s (by Engro Foods)
McDonald’s
McDonald’s Israel supports Israeli military personnel through donations and discounts.
Its alternative options in Pakistan include:
- Hardee’s (not linked to Israel)
- OPTP
- Johnny & Jugnu
- Burger Lab
- Local burger joints
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Starbucks
While Starbucks has denied any direct support for Israel, it has faced criticism for its business decisions and perceived silence on the Israeli occupation.
Its alternative options in Pakistan include:
- Second Cup (Canada-based, operates locally)
- Chaye Khana
- Coffee Planet
- Gloria Jean’s (Australia-based)
- Local cafés like Mocca, Butlers and Esquires
Unilever (Lux, Dove, Lipton, Sunsilk, etc.)
Past investments and operations in Israel; though the company claims neutrality, it’s on some boycott lists.
Its alternative options in Pakistan include:
- Hemani (Pakistani natural products brand)
- Saeed Ghani
- Vital Tea
- Tapal and Shan products
Pampers (Procter & Gamble)
P&G is a major multinational company that has been criticized for its operations in Israel.
Its alternative options in Pakistan include:
- Canbebe
- Shield
- Mothercare (local diaper brands)
Johnson & Johnson
Historical presence and support in Israeli healthcare systems.
Its alternative options in Pakistan include:
- Hemani Baby Care
- Local baby powders and lotions by Saeed Ghani
Frequently Used Brands Under Multinational Conglomerates with Israeli Ties
Here is a broader list of multinational corporations with known operations or affiliations with Israel:
| Company | Popular Brands in Pakistan | Suggested Local Alternatives |
| Procter & Gamble | Ariel, Head & Shoulders, Pampers | Brite, Hemani, Shield |
| Nestlé | Nescafé, Milkpak, Maggi | Tapal, Olper’s, Shan |
| PepsiCo | Pepsi, Lays, 7Up | Gourmet, Kurleez, Amrat |
| Coca-Cola Co. | Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta | Pakola, Gourmet, Amrat |
| Unilever | Lipton, Sunsilk, Dove | Vital Tea, Hemani, Saeed Ghani |
Why Switch to Local Alternatives
By choosing locally made goods, you help create jobs, reduce dependence on foreign brands especially those linked to unethical practices and support businesses that grow Pakistan from within.
Support the Local Economy
By choosing Pakistani-made goods, you are supporting local farmers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs which contributes to economic growth and job creation.
Ethical Consumerism
Choosing products that align with your values, be it human rights, fair trade or religious beliefs, makes a strong statement as a consumer.
Quality and Price
Local alternatives have improved drastically in terms of quality and packaging, often offered at more competitive prices than multinational brands.
How to Identify Israeli-Linked Products
Identifying Israeli-linked products involves researching the origins of a brand, its ownership, manufacturing location or corporate affiliations. Start by checking product labels for “Made in Israel” or similar indicators. Look up the company’s official website or reliable databases to find its headquarters or parent company. Some companies may not be directly Israeli but could support or have strong financial ties to Israeli businesses or institutions. Activist groups and organizations often maintain updated lists of Israeli-linked brands which can be helpful for consumers making ethical purchasing decisions. Be sure to verify information from multiple credible sources to ensure accuracy. Products made in Israel often have barcodes starting with 729. Use BDS-affiliated websites to verify corporate links.
Israeli-Linked Brands vs Pakistani Alternatives
Here is the list of Pakistani alternatives to popular international brands across various product categories, mentioned as:
Restaurants & Food Chains
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| KFC | Burger Lab, OPTP |
| McDonald’s | Johnny & Jugnu, Daily Deli |
| Hardee’s | Howdy, Smash Burger |
| Pizza Hut | BRGR, Daily Deli |
| Subway | Howdy, Smash Burger |
| Burger King | Burger Lab, BRGR |
| Baskin Robbins | Sweet Creme |
Cosmetics
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| L’Oréal | J. (Junaid Jamshed) |
| Revlon | Luscious Cosmetics |
| Garnier | Musarrat Misbah |
| Estee Lauder | Rivaj UK |
| Olay | Rivaj, J. |
Cold Drinks
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Coca Cola | Gourmet Cola, Pakola, Next Cola |
| Pepsi | Gourmet Cola, Pakola |
| 7-UP / Sprite / Fanta | Gourmet LemonUp, Pakola Lychee |
| Mirinda / Mountain Dew | Next Cola, Pakola Ice Cream Soda |
| Roar / Cappy | Fresher, Fruitien, Vivo |
Chocolates & Spreads
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Nutella | Young’s Chocolate Spread |
| KitKat, Mars, Twix | Candyland Now, Paradise, Novella |
| Snickers, Toblerone | Candyland Sonnet |
| Ferrero Rocher, Milka | Candyland Chocolate Range |
| Hershey’s, Bueno | Candyland Novella, Young’s Spread |
Ice Cream
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Walls | HICO, Lush Crush, Popbar |
| Popcycle, Jalal Sons Ice Cream |
Tea & Coffee
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Lipton, Nestlé Tea | Tapal, Vital Tea, National Tea |
| Nescafé | RAAZ Coffee Roasters |
Juices
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Nestlé Fruita Vitals | Fruitien, Fresher, Vivo |
| Nestlé Nesfruita, Tang | Maza, Sunsip LimoPani |
| Slice | Rooh Afza, Jami Shireen |
Dairy Products
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Nestlé Milkpak, Everyday | Prema, Anhaar, Dayfresh |
| Nestlé Yogurt, Nesvita | Haleeb, Good Milk, Adams, Nurpur |
Bottled Water
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Nestlé Pure Life | Gourmet, Sufi, Springley |
| Aquafina, Dasani | Al Habib, Masafi, Al-Kafeel |
Noodles & Pasta
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Maggi, Knorr | Shoop by Shan, National, Kolson |
Shampoos
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Dove, Sunsilk, Pantene | Saeed Ghani Shampoo, BioAmla |
| Head & Shoulders, Clear | CoNatural Shampoo, Jasmine Organics |
Toothpaste
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Colgate, Sensodyne | Medicam, Dentonic |
| Jasmine Organics Herbal Toothpowder |
Body Care
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Lux, Dove, Lifebuoy | Care Soap, Vital Soap |
| Ponds, Fair & Glow | Saeed Ghani, Jasmine Organics |
| Gillette, Veet | Nisa, Hiba Hair Removal, Treet |
Detergents & Cleaners
| Israeli-Linked Brands | Pakistani Alternatives |
| Surf Excel, Ariel | Sufi Detergent, Alclean Cleaner |
| Vim, Max, Sunlight | Sufi Dishsoap, Almas Dishwasher |
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Final Words
The Government of Pakistan officially does not support trade with Israel. Boycotting Israeli-linked products in Pakistan is both a political statement and a matter of personal conscience. While direct Israeli products are rare in the Pakistani market, multinational brands with Israeli affiliations are widely available. Recently, the Governor of Punjab announced a complete ban on Israeli products at the Governor House, encouraging the public to boycott such products. It is important to note that the effectiveness and the economic impact of such boycotts are subjects of ongoing discussion. By supporting local alternatives, consumers can not only express solidarity with oppressed communities but also promote Pakistan’s domestic industries. However, it is important to base decisions on well-researched information and avoid spreading misinformation. Ethical consumerism is powerful when paired with awareness and responsibility.
About the Author: Sana Noureen
