Is E471 Halal or haram?

E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) is doubtful. It is made from plant oils or from animal fat, and European labels are not required to say which. It counts as Halal only when the manufacturer confirms a plant or Halal-animal source for that specific product.

Is E120 (carmine) Halal?

E120 (carmine or cochineal) is a red colour made from dried cochineal insects. Most schools and certifiers, JAKIM and HFA among them, forbid eating insects, so it is treated as not Halal. The Maliki school and MUI permit it.

Is gelatine (E441) Halal?

Gelatine is made by boiling animal skin, bone and connective tissue. Unless the source is verified Halal it cannot be treated as permissible, and pork gelatine is prohibited outright. Even a Halal gelatine claim needs its certificate checked.

Which E-numbers are haram?

Gelatine (E428 and E441) is haram unless its source is verified, and E120 carmine, made from insects, is haram. Many additives depend on their source and need verification: the E471 and E472 emulsifier family, E542 bone phosphate, E627 and E631 flavour enhancers, E904 shellac, E913 lanolin and E920 L-cysteine.

E-Numbers: Halal or haram?

Food additives explained in plain English: what each one is, why it has the status it has, and which foods it turns up in.

Tap any row for the full explanation.

E-number	Name	Status
E100	Curcumin	Halal
E100 Curcumin What it is. The yellow colour from turmeric root. What it means. A yellow colour from turmeric root — plant-based, no concern. Where you meet it. Curries, mustard, snack seasoning, rice dishes. Everything about E100 Curcumin →
E101	Riboflavin (vitamin B2)	Halal
E101 Riboflavin (vitamin B2) What it is. Vitamin B2, which doubles as a yellow-orange colour. What it means. Vitamin B2, usually made by fermentation or in a lab. No animal source is involved, so it raises no concern. Where you meet it. Breakfast cereals, sauces, dairy desserts, vitamin drinks. Everything about E101 Riboflavin (vitamin B2) →
E102	Tartrazine	Halal
E102 Tartrazine What it is. A synthetic lemon-yellow colour. What it means. It is made synthetically from petrochemical raw materials, with no animal step. Worth knowing all the same: in the EU most foods coloured with E102 must say on the label that they may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Where you meet it. Sweets, soft drinks, ice lollies, instant desserts, some sauces. Everything about E102 Tartrazine →
E110	Sunset Yellow FCF	Halal
E110 Sunset Yellow FCF What it is. A synthetic orange-yellow colour. What it means. It is made synthetically from petrochemical raw materials, with no animal step. Worth knowing all the same: in the EU most foods coloured with E110 must say on the label that they may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Where you meet it. Orange soft drinks, sweets, desserts, snack seasoning. Everything about E110 Sunset Yellow FCF →
E120	Carmine (cochineal)	Haram
E120 Carmine (cochineal) What it is. A red colour made from dried cochineal insects. What it means. A red colour made from crushed cochineal insects. Helal Scan treats it as not Halal: Most schools and certifiers (JAKIM, HFA) forbid eating insects The Maliki school and MUI permit it Where you meet it. Strawberry yoghurts, sweets, red sauces and drinks. Everything about E120 Carmine (cochineal) →
E129	Allura Red AC	Halal
E129 Allura Red AC What it is. A synthetic red colour. What it means. It is made synthetically from petrochemical raw materials, with no animal step. Unlike E120 it has nothing to do with insects. Worth knowing all the same: in the EU most foods coloured with E129 must say on the label that they may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Where you meet it. Sweets, soft drinks, desserts, cake decorations. Everything about E129 Allura Red AC →
E131	Patent Blue V	Halal
E131 Patent Blue V What it is. A deep blue colour made in a laboratory. What it means. A synthetic colour. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Sweets, icing, liqueur-style drinks, decorative gels. Everything about E131 Patent Blue V →
E132	Indigotine (indigo carmine)	Halal
E132 Indigotine (indigo carmine) What it is. A synthetic blue colour. What it means. A synthetic blue colour. Despite the name it is not related to carmine (E120) and no insect is involved. Where you meet it. Ice cream, sweets, biscuits, drinks. Everything about E132 Indigotine (indigo carmine) →
E133	Brilliant Blue FCF	Halal
E133 Brilliant Blue FCF What it is. A synthetic blue colour, the bright blue used in sweets and drinks. What it means. A synthetic colour. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Sweets, sports drinks, icing, frozen desserts. Everything about E133 Brilliant Blue FCF →
E140	Chlorophyll	Halal
E140 Chlorophyll What it is. The green pigment plants use to catch sunlight. What it means. The green colour from plants — no concern. Where you meet it. Chewing gum, ice cream, sauces, dairy desserts. Everything about E140 Chlorophyll →
E141	Copper complexes of chlorophylls	Halal
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophylls What it is. Plant chlorophyll bound to copper so the green survives heat and light. What it means. A green colour from plant chlorophyll. Where you meet it. Tinned vegetables, sauces, sweets, dairy desserts. Everything about E141 Copper complexes of chlorophylls →
E150	Caramel colour	Halal
E150 Caramel colour What it is. The brown colour made by heating sugar until it darkens. What it means. A colour made by heating sugars. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Cola, soy sauce, gravy, bread, beer-style drinks. Everything about E150 Caramel colour →
E150a	Plain caramel	Halal
E150a Plain caramel What it is. Caramel colour made with heat alone, no other reagent. What it means. A colour made by heating sugars. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Whisky-style flavourings, bread, sauces, confectionery. Everything about E150a Plain caramel →
E150b	Caustic sulphite caramel	Halal
E150b Caustic sulphite caramel What it is. Caramel colour produced with a sulphite present. What it means. The starting material is still sugar; the sulphite is a processing aid and not animal-derived. Where you meet it. Spirits-style drinks, vinegars, sauces. Everything about E150b Caustic sulphite caramel →
E150c	Ammonia caramel	Halal
E150c Ammonia caramel What it is. Caramel colour produced with ammonia present. What it means. A colour made by heating sugars. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Beer-style drinks, sauces, baked goods, pet food. Everything about E150c Ammonia caramel →
E150d	Sulphite ammonia caramel	Halal
E150d Sulphite ammonia caramel What it is. The caramel class used to colour cola. What it means. A colour made by heating sugars. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Cola and other dark soft drinks, sauces. Everything about E150d Sulphite ammonia caramel →
E153	Vegetable carbon	Halal
E153 Vegetable carbon What it is. A dense black colour made by charring plant material. What it means. Black colour made from charred plant material — fine. (Different from bone char, which comes from animals.) Where you meet it. Black sweets, novelty bakery, cheese rinds. Everything about E153 Vegetable carbon →
E160a	Carotenes	Doubtful
E160a Carotenes What it is. An orange-yellow colour, in itself plant-based. What it means. The colour itself is plant-based. The question is the carrier it is encased in, which can be: Plant oil Gelatine (animal) The label does not name the carrier, so it needs confirming. Where you meet it. Margarine, cheese, juices, soft drinks. Everything about E160a Carotenes →
E160b	Annatto (bixin, norbixin)	Halal
E160b Annatto (bixin, norbixin) What it is. An orange-yellow colour from the seeds of the achiote tree, also called urucum. What it means. It is extracted from the coating of a plant seed, so the source is a plant. Where you meet it. Cheese such as Red Leicester and Mimolette, smoked fish, snacks, margarine, custard. Everything about E160b Annatto (bixin, norbixin) →
E160c	Paprika extract (capsanthin)	Doubtful
E160c Paprika extract (capsanthin) What it is. The warm red-orange colour pressed out of sweet peppers. What it means. The colour itself is from paprika. The question is the carrier it is dissolved in, which can be: Plant oil Gelatine (animal) The label does not name the carrier, so it needs confirming. Where you meet it. Sausages, snack seasoning, cheese coatings, sauces and marinades. Everything about E160c Paprika extract (capsanthin) →
E160e	Beta-apo-8'-carotenal	Doubtful
E160e Beta-apo-8'-carotenal What it is. An orange colour built in a laboratory rather than taken from a plant. What it means. The colour itself is synthetic. The question is the carrier it is dissolved in, which can be: Plant oil Gelatine (animal) The label does not name the carrier, so it needs confirming. Where you meet it. Soft drinks, dairy desserts, cheese rinds, sauces. Everything about E160e Beta-apo-8'-carotenal →
E161b	Lutein	Halal
E161b Lutein What it is. A yellow colour extracted from marigold petals. What it means. A yellow colour from marigold flowers — plant-based. Where you meet it. Drinks, dairy desserts, sauces, supplements. Everything about E161b Lutein →
E161g	Canthaxanthin	Doubtful
E161g Canthaxanthin What it is. An orange-red colour. What it means. The colour itself is fine; the question is the carrier it is dissolved in, which can be gelatine and is not declared. Where you meet it. Sausage casings, some drinks, fish feed. Everything about E161g Canthaxanthin →
E162	Beetroot red (betanin)	Halal
E162 Beetroot red (betanin) What it is. The deep pink-red pressed from beetroot. What it means. A red colour from beetroot. Where you meet it. Yoghurts, ice cream, sweets, soups. Everything about E162 Beetroot red (betanin) →
E163	Anthocyanins	Halal
E163 Anthocyanins What it is. The purple and red colours of grapes, berries and red cabbage. What it means. Purple and red colours from plants like grapes and berries — fine. Where you meet it. Soft drinks, jams, sweets, yoghurts. Everything about E163 Anthocyanins →
E170	Calcium carbonate	Halal
E170 Calcium carbonate What it is. Chalk, used as a white colour, a firming agent and a calcium source. What it means. A mineral (basically chalk) — no concern. Where you meet it. Bread, plant drinks, supplements, sweets. Everything about E170 Calcium carbonate →
E171	Titanium dioxide	Halal
E171 Titanium dioxide What it is. A bright mineral white. What it means. A mineral white colour. No animal source is involved. (No longer permitted in food in the EU.) Where you meet it. Historically: icing, chewing gum, sauces. Still used in medicines and cosmetics. Everything about E171 Titanium dioxide →
E172	Iron oxides and hydroxides	Halal
E172 Iron oxides and hydroxides What it is. Mineral pigments in yellow, red, brown and black. What it means. Mineral pigments. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Cake decoration, sweets, coated tablets. Everything about E172 Iron oxides and hydroxides →
E200	Sorbic acid	Halal
E200 Sorbic acid What it is. A preservative that holds back mould and yeast. What it means. A synthetic preservative. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Cheese, bread, dried fruit, soft drinks. Everything about E200 Sorbic acid →
E202	Potassium sorbate	Halal
E202 Potassium sorbate What it is. A preservative that stops mould and yeast. What it means. A synthetic preservative. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Cheese, dried fruit, soft drinks, bakery. Everything about E202 Potassium sorbate →
E210	Benzoic acid	Halal
E210 Benzoic acid What it is. A preservative for acidic foods and drinks. What it means. It is made in a laboratory from petrochemical feedstock, with no animal input. Where you meet it. Soft drinks, pickles, sauces, fruit preparations. Everything about E210 Benzoic acid →
E211	Sodium benzoate	Halal
E211 Sodium benzoate What it is. The sodium salt of benzoic acid, the common form in drinks. What it means. A synthetic preservative made from benzoic acid. No animal source is involved in how it is produced. Where you meet it. Fizzy drinks, salad dressings, jams, sauces. Everything about E211 Sodium benzoate →
E212	Potassium benzoate	Halal
E212 Potassium benzoate What it is. The potassium version of the same preservative. What it means. Made synthetically: benzoic acid from petrochemistry with a mineral potassium salt. No animal input. Where you meet it. Soft drinks, syrups, pickles. Everything about E212 Potassium benzoate →
E213	Calcium benzoate	Halal
E213 Calcium benzoate What it is. The calcium form of benzoate. What it means. Made synthetically: benzoic acid from petrochemistry with mineral calcium. No animal input. Where you meet it. Drinks, sauces, preserved vegetables. Everything about E213 Calcium benzoate →
E220	Sulphur dioxide	Halal
E220 Sulphur dioxide What it is. A preservative gas that stops browning and fermentation. What it means. A mineral gas made from sulphur. No animal source. Where you meet it. Dried fruit, fruit juices, pickles, potato products. Everything about E220 Sulphur dioxide →
E221	Sodium sulphite	Halal
E221 Sodium sulphite What it is. A sulphite salt used to preserve colour and freshness. What it means. Made from mineral sulphur compounds and a sodium salt. Where you meet it. Dried fruit, processed potato, fruit juice. Everything about E221 Sodium sulphite →
E222	Sodium hydrogen sulphite	Halal
E222 Sodium hydrogen sulphite What it is. A sulphite preservative in liquid form. What it means. Made from mineral sulphur compounds. No animal source. Where you meet it. Fruit preparations, juices, wine-style drinks. Everything about E222 Sodium hydrogen sulphite →
E223	Sodium metabisulphite	Halal
E223 Sodium metabisulphite What it is. The powdered sulphite used widely in food processing. What it means. Produced from mineral sulphur dioxide and a sodium salt. Where you meet it. Dried fruit, shellfish, pickles, baking. Everything about E223 Sodium metabisulphite →
E224	Potassium metabisulphite	Halal
E224 Potassium metabisulphite What it is. The potassium counterpart, common in drinks production. What it means. Made from mineral sulphur compounds and a potassium salt. No animal source. Where you meet it. Juices, dried fruit, wine-style drinks. Everything about E224 Potassium metabisulphite →
E226	Calcium sulphite	Halal
E226 Calcium sulphite What it is. A sulphite that also firms plant tissue. What it means. Mineral sulphur with mineral calcium. Where you meet it. Tinned vegetables, fruit preparations. Everything about E226 Calcium sulphite →
E227	Calcium hydrogen sulphite	Halal
E227 Calcium hydrogen sulphite What it is. A sulphite used in brewing and vegetable processing. What it means. Mineral in origin. Where you meet it. Tinned vegetables, beer-style drinks. Everything about E227 Calcium hydrogen sulphite →
E228	Potassium hydrogen sulphite	Halal
E228 Potassium hydrogen sulphite What it is. The last of the sulphite series. What it means. Made from mineral sulphur compounds and a potassium salt. No animal source. Where you meet it. Fruit products, drinks. Everything about E228 Potassium hydrogen sulphite →
E250	Sodium nitrite	Halal
E250 Sodium nitrite What it is. The curing salt that keeps cured meat pink and safe. What it means. A synthetic curing salt. The additive itself raises no concern; the meat it cures is judged separately. Where you meet it. Ham, salami, sausages, cured poultry. Everything about E250 Sodium nitrite →
E251	Sodium nitrate	Halal
E251 Sodium nitrate What it is. A curing salt that releases its effect slowly. What it means. Mined as mineral nitrate or made synthetically. As with E250, the meat is a separate question. Where you meet it. Dry-cured meat, some cheeses. Everything about E251 Sodium nitrate →
E252	Potassium nitrate	Halal
E252 Potassium nitrate What it is. Saltpetre, the traditional curing salt. What it means. A mineral curing salt. The additive itself raises no concern; the meat it cures is judged separately. Where you meet it. Dry-cured meat, hard cheese. Everything about E252 Potassium nitrate →
E260	Acetic acid	Halal
E260 Acetic acid What it is. The acid in vinegar, used to sharpen and preserve. What it means. Vinegar acid, distilled or lab-made — fine. Where you meet it. Pickles, sauces, bread, packaged salads. Everything about E260 Acetic acid →
E262	Sodium acetate	Halal
E262 Sodium acetate What it is. The salt of vinegar acid, used to preserve and to give a salt-and-vinegar tang. What it means. A synthetic salt of acetic acid. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Crisps, bread, sauces, packaged meat. Everything about E262 Sodium acetate →
E270	Lactic acid	Halal
E270 Lactic acid What it is. A mild sour acid, despite a name that suggests milk. What it means. A sour acid, usually made by fermenting plant sugars (occasionally from dairy) — fine either way. Where you meet it. Bread, pickles, drinks, sweets, dressings. Everything about E270 Lactic acid →
E282	Calcium propionate	Halal
E282 Calcium propionate What it is. The mould inhibitor that keeps packaged bread fresh. What it means. A synthetic preservative used in bread. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Sliced bread, rolls, tortillas, baked goods. Everything about E282 Calcium propionate →
E296	Malic acid	Halal
E296 Malic acid What it is. A sour-tasting acid, naturally found in apples. What it means. An acid found in fruit, usually made synthetically. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Sweets, fruit drinks, sherbet. Everything about E296 Malic acid →
E297	Fumaric acid	Halal
E297 Fumaric acid What it is. A sharp acid used where a dry, long-lasting sourness is wanted. What it means. It is made synthetically. Where you meet it. Baking mixes, sweets, powdered drinks, fillings. Everything about E297 Fumaric acid →
E300	Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)	Halal
E300 Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) What it is. Vitamin C, used as an antioxidant. What it means. Vitamin C, made synthetically or by fermentation. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Juices, cereals, cured meat, bakery. Everything about E300 Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) →
E301	Sodium ascorbate	Halal
E301 Sodium ascorbate What it is. The sodium salt of vitamin C, used to stop food browning. What it means. The sodium salt of vitamin C. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Cured meat, juices, bread, tinned fruit. Everything about E301 Sodium ascorbate →
E302	Calcium ascorbate	Halal
E302 Calcium ascorbate What it is. Vitamin C paired with calcium. What it means. Vitamin C made by fermenting plant sugars, paired with mineral calcium. No animal source. Where you meet it. Juices, fruit preparations, supplements. Everything about E302 Calcium ascorbate →
E304	Ascorbyl palmitate	Doubtful
E304 Ascorbyl palmitate What it is. Vitamin C joined to a fatty acid so it dissolves in fat. What it means. A fat-soluble form of vitamin C. The vitamin C part is fine; the palmitic acid it is joined to can be plant or animal, and the label does not say which. It stays uncertain until the source is known. Where you meet it. Oils, infant formula, savoury snacks. Everything about E304 Ascorbyl palmitate →
E306	Tocopherol-rich extract	Halal
E306 Tocopherol-rich extract What it is. Natural vitamin E, used to stop fats going rancid. What it means. Natural vitamin E, extracted from plant oils. Where you meet it. Oils, margarine, snacks, baby food. Everything about E306 Tocopherol-rich extract →
E307	Alpha-tocopherol	Halal
E307 Alpha-tocopherol What it is. A single form of vitamin E, isolated or synthesised. What it means. Both routes are non-animal: plant oil or laboratory synthesis. Where you meet it. Oils, spreads, cereals, supplements. Everything about E307 Alpha-tocopherol →
E308	Gamma-tocopherol	Halal
E308 Gamma-tocopherol What it is. Another vitamin E form used as an antioxidant. What it means. Made from plant oil or synthesised in a laboratory. No animal source. Where you meet it. Oils, snacks, processed food. Everything about E308 Gamma-tocopherol →
E309	Delta-tocopherol	Halal
E309 Delta-tocopherol What it is. The last of the tocopherol series. What it means. Made from plant oil or synthesised in a laboratory. No animal source. Where you meet it. Oils, fried snacks, spreads. Everything about E309 Delta-tocopherol →
E316	Sodium erythorbate	Halal
E316 Sodium erythorbate What it is. A cousin of vitamin C used to keep cured meat coloured. What it means. A synthetic antioxidant related to vitamin C. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Cured meat, sausages, tinned fruit. Everything about E316 Sodium erythorbate →
E319	TBHQ	Halal
E319 TBHQ What it is. A synthetic antioxidant for frying oils. What it means. A synthetic antioxidant. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Frying oil, instant noodles, fried snacks. Everything about E319 TBHQ →
E320	BHA	Halal
E320 BHA What it is. A synthetic antioxidant that protects fats. What it means. A synthetic antioxidant. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Fats, snacks, chewing gum, cereals. Everything about E320 BHA →
E321	BHT	Halal
E321 BHT What it is. The other common synthetic fat antioxidant. What it means. A synthetic antioxidant. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Fats and oils, cereals, snacks, chewing gum. Everything about E321 BHT →
E322	Lecithin	Halal
E322 Lecithin What it is. An emulsifier that keeps mixtures smooth. What it means. An emulsifier, almost always from soy or sunflower (egg lecithin is also fine). Rarely a concern. Where you meet it. Chocolate, margarine, baked goods, instant powders. Everything about E322 Lecithin →
E325	Sodium lactate	Halal
E325 Sodium lactate What it is. The sodium salt of lactic acid, used to preserve and hold moisture. What it means. The sodium salt of lactic acid, which is produced by fermenting sugars (see E270). Where you meet it. Packaged meat, bread, sauces, cosmetics. Everything about E325 Sodium lactate →
E326	Potassium lactate	Halal
E326 Potassium lactate What it is. A lactate salt used to extend shelf life. What it means. Made from fermented plant sugars and a mineral potassium salt. No animal source. Where you meet it. Packaged meat, poultry, ready meals. Everything about E326 Potassium lactate →
E327	Calcium lactate	Halal
E327 Calcium lactate What it is. A lactate that also firms fruit and vegetables. What it means. Fermented plant sugars plus mineral calcium. Where you meet it. Tinned fruit, cheese, supplements, plant drinks. Everything about E327 Calcium lactate →
E330	Citric acid	Halal
E330 Citric acid What it is. The sharp taste in citrus, used to adjust acidity. What it means. Produced by fermenting sugars. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Soft drinks, jams, tinned fruit, sweets. Everything about E330 Citric acid →
E331	Sodium citrates	Halal
E331 Sodium citrates What it is. Citrate salts that steady acidity and stop separation. What it means. Salts of citric acid, which is produced by fermenting sugars. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Soft drinks, processed cheese, jams, ice cream. Everything about E331 Sodium citrates →
E332	Potassium citrates	Halal
E332 Potassium citrates What it is. The potassium form of the citrates. What it means. Made from citric acid, which is produced by fermentation, with a mineral potassium salt. No animal source. Where you meet it. Drinks, dairy desserts, jams, supplements. Everything about E332 Potassium citrates →
E333	Calcium citrates	Halal
E333 Calcium citrates What it is. Citrates that also firm plant tissue and add calcium. What it means. Fermented citric acid with mineral calcium. Where you meet it. Plant drinks, tinned fruit, supplements. Everything about E333 Calcium citrates →
E334	Tartaric acid	Doubtful
E334 Tartaric acid What it is. A sharp fruit acid, best known from grapes. What it means. Most commercial tartaric acid is recovered from winemaking by-products. The possible sources are: Wine sediment (the usual one) Made chemically (fine) Unfermented grapes (fine) Scholars are split on the wine-sediment source: Hanafi and Maliki accept it as transformed, Shafi'i and Hanbali are more cautious. Where you meet it. Baking powder, boiled sweets, fizzy drinks, jams, wine gums. Everything about E334 Tartaric acid →
E335	Sodium tartrate	Doubtful
E335 Sodium tartrate What it is. The sodium salt of tartaric acid, used to steady acidity. What it means. E335 is a salt of tartaric acid (E334), so it carries the same question. The tartaric acid can come from: Wine sediment (the usual one) Made chemically (fine) Unfermented grapes (fine) Scholars are split on the wine-sediment source: Hanafi and Maliki accept it as transformed, Shafi'i and Hanbali are more cautious. Where you meet it. Baking mixes, jellies, processed cheese, sweets. Everything about E335 Sodium tartrate →
E336	Potassium tartrate (cream of tartar)	Doubtful
E336 Potassium tartrate (cream of tartar) What it is. The white powder sold for stiffening egg whites and lightening cakes. What it means. E336 (cream of tartar) is a salt of tartaric acid (E334), so it carries the same question. The tartaric acid can come from: Wine sediment (the usual one) Made chemically (fine) Unfermented grapes (fine) Scholars are split on the wine-sediment source: Hanafi and Maliki accept it as transformed, Shafi'i and Hanbali are more cautious. Where you meet it. Baking powder, meringue, icing, sherbet. Everything about E336 Potassium tartrate (cream of tartar) →
E337	Sodium potassium tartrate	Doubtful
E337 Sodium potassium tartrate What it is. A double salt of tartaric acid, used as a stabiliser. What it means. E337 is a salt of tartaric acid (E334), so it carries the same question. The tartaric acid can come from: Wine sediment (the usual one) Made chemically (fine) Unfermented grapes (fine) Scholars are split on the wine-sediment source: Hanafi and Maliki accept it as transformed, Shafi'i and Hanbali are more cautious. Where you meet it. Processed cheese, jellies, baking mixes, sweets. Everything about E337 Sodium potassium tartrate →
E338	Phosphoric acid	Halal
E338 Phosphoric acid What it is. The sharp acid that gives cola its bite. What it means. A mineral-based phosphate. Bone-derived phosphate exists and is treated separately under E542, which needs its source confirmed. Where you meet it. Cola, processed cheese, baking powder. Everything about E338 Phosphoric acid →
E339	Sodium phosphates	Halal
E339 Sodium phosphates What it is. Phosphate salts that regulate acidity and bind water. What it means. A mineral-based phosphate. Bone-derived phosphate exists and is treated separately under E542, which needs its source confirmed. Where you meet it. Processed cheese, powdered drinks, baked goods. Everything about E339 Sodium phosphates →
E340	Potassium phosphates	Halal
E340 Potassium phosphates What it is. The potassium versions of the same salts. What it means. A mineral-based phosphate. Bone-derived phosphate exists and is treated separately under E542, which needs its source confirmed. Where you meet it. Coffee whiteners, sports drinks, processed cheese. Everything about E340 Potassium phosphates →
E341	Calcium phosphates	Halal
E341 Calcium phosphates What it is. Phosphates that raise dough and add calcium. What it means. A mineral-based phosphate. Bone-derived phosphate exists and is treated separately under E542, which needs its source confirmed. Where you meet it. Baking powder, plant drinks, cereals, supplements. Everything about E341 Calcium phosphates →
E343	Magnesium phosphates	Halal
E343 Magnesium phosphates What it is. Phosphates that also keep powders free-flowing. What it means. Mineral throughout. Where you meet it. Powdered mixes, supplements, processed cheese. Everything about E343 Magnesium phosphates →
E392	Rosemary extract	Halal
E392 Rosemary extract What it is. A natural antioxidant that stops fat going rancid. What it means. It is a plant extract. Where you meet it. Oils, snacks, meat products. Everything about E392 Rosemary extract →
E400	Alginic acid	Halal
E400 Alginic acid What it is. A thickener extracted from brown seaweed. What it means. Seaweed is a plant source, so no animal question arises. Where you meet it. Ice cream, sauces, dessert gels, jellies. Everything about E400 Alginic acid →
E401	Sodium alginate	Halal
E401 Sodium alginate What it is. The most used seaweed thickener. What it means. A thickener from seaweed. Where you meet it. Ice cream, reformed fruit pieces, sauces, dressings. Everything about E401 Sodium alginate →
E402	Potassium alginate	Halal
E402 Potassium alginate What it is. The potassium form of the alginates. What it means. Made from brown seaweed with a potassium salt. No animal source. Where you meet it. Desserts, sauces, dairy products. Everything about E402 Potassium alginate →
E403	Ammonium alginate	Halal
E403 Ammonium alginate What it is. An alginate used where sodium must be avoided. What it means. Seaweed extract with ammonia, neither animal-derived. Where you meet it. Bakery fillings, sauces. Everything about E403 Ammonium alginate →
E404	Calcium alginate	Halal
E404 Calcium alginate What it is. The alginate that sets into firm beads and strands. What it means. Seaweed with mineral calcium. Where you meet it. Reformed fruit, vegetarian caviar-style pearls, fillings. Everything about E404 Calcium alginate →
E405	Propylene glycol alginate	Halal
E405 Propylene glycol alginate What it is. A modified alginate that survives acidity. What it means. Seaweed extract reacted with propylene glycol, a manufactured chemical. Where you meet it. Salad dressings, beer-style drinks, fruit drinks. Everything about E405 Propylene glycol alginate →
E406	Agar	Halal
E406 Agar What it is. A gelling agent from seaweed, a plant alternative to gelatine. What it means. A gelling agent from seaweed — plant-based, and a common Halal alternative to gelatine. Where you meet it. Vegan jellies, desserts, confectionery. Everything about E406 Agar →
E407	Carrageenan	Halal
E407 Carrageenan What it is. A gelling agent from red seaweed, long used in dairy. What it means. A thickener made from seaweed — plant-based. Where you meet it. Chocolate milk, plant drinks, desserts, processed meat. Everything about E407 Carrageenan →
E410	Locust bean gum	Halal
E410 Locust bean gum What it is. A thickener from carob seeds. What it means. A thickener from carob seeds — plant-based. Where you meet it. Ice cream, sauces, dairy desserts. Everything about E410 Locust bean gum →
E412	Guar gum	Halal
E412 Guar gum What it is. A thickener ground from guar beans. What it means. A thickener from guar beans — plant-based. Where you meet it. Ice cream, sauces, gluten-free baking, plant drinks. Everything about E412 Guar gum →
E414	Gum arabic (acacia gum)	Halal
E414 Gum arabic (acacia gum) What it is. Sap tapped from acacia trees. What it means. A natural gum from acacia trees — plant-based. Where you meet it. Soft drinks, sweets, icing, chewing gum. Everything about E414 Gum arabic (acacia gum) →
E415	Xanthan gum	Halal
E415 Xanthan gum What it is. A thickener produced by fermentation. What it means. A thickener made by fermentation — fine. Where you meet it. Sauces, dressings, gluten-free baking. Everything about E415 Xanthan gum →
E420	Sorbitol	Halal
E420 Sorbitol What it is. A sweetener that also keeps food moist. What it means. A sweetener made from plant glucose. Where you meet it. Sugar-free sweets, chewing gum, baked goods, toothpaste. Everything about E420 Sorbitol →
E421	Mannitol	Halal
E421 Mannitol What it is. A sweetener with a cooling taste, used as a dusting powder. What it means. Produced from plant sugars or by synthesis. Where you meet it. Chewing gum, sugar-free sweets, dusting for confectionery. Everything about E421 Mannitol →
E422	Glycerol (glycerine)	Doubtful
E422 Glycerol (glycerine) What it is. A sweet, syrupy liquid that keeps food moist. What it means. E422 can be made from different sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) Lab-made (synthetic) The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Chewing gum, cake icing, soft sweets, toothpaste. Everything about E422 Glycerol (glycerine) →
E428	Gelatine	Haram
E428 Gelatine What it is. A gelling protein made by boiling animal skin, bone and connective tissue. What it means. It is animal by definition. Unless the source is verified Halal it cannot be treated as permissible, and pork gelatine is prohibited outright. Even a 'Halal gelatine' claim needs its certificate checked. Where you meet it. Gummy sweets, marshmallows, mousses, capsule shells. Everything about E428 Gelatine →
E431	Polyoxyethylene stearate	Doubtful
E431 Polyoxyethylene stearate What it is. An emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed. What it means. Built from stearic acid, which can be plant or animal in origin. Where you meet it. Bakery products, coffee whiteners. Everything about E431 Polyoxyethylene stearate →
E432	Polysorbate 20	Doubtful
E432 Polysorbate 20 What it is. An emulsifier and dispersing agent. What it means. The fatty acid it is built from may be animal-derived. Where you meet it. Ice cream, sauces, dressings. Everything about E432 Polysorbate 20 →
E433	Polysorbate 80	Doubtful
E433 Polysorbate 80 What it is. A very common emulsifier. What it means. E433 can be made from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Ice cream, desserts, drinks. Everything about E433 Polysorbate 80 →
E434	Polysorbate 40	Doubtful
E434 Polysorbate 40 What it is. An emulsifier. What it means. Fatty-acid origin is not declared. Where you meet it. Bakery goods, toppings. Everything about E434 Polysorbate 40 →
E435	Polysorbate 60	Doubtful
E435 Polysorbate 60 What it is. An emulsifier. What it means. E435 can be made from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Cakes, whipped toppings. Everything about E435 Polysorbate 60 →
E436	Polysorbate 65	Doubtful
E436 Polysorbate 65 What it is. An emulsifier. What it means. Fatty-acid origin is not declared. Where you meet it. Ice cream, baked goods. Everything about E436 Polysorbate 65 →
E440	Pectin	Halal
E440 Pectin What it is. A gelling agent from fruit: what sets jam. What it means. A gelling agent from fruit — plant-based. Where you meet it. Jams, fruit fillings, vegan gummies. Everything about E440 Pectin →
E441	Gelatine	Haram
E441 Gelatine What it is. The same gelling protein as E428, under its other number. What it means. Gelatine is treated as prohibited by default, because it is usually: Pig Cattle whose slaughter cannot be verified The label rarely says which. It is fine only when explicitly declared fish, plant, or Halal-slaughtered. Where you meet it. Gummy sweets, marshmallows, desserts, capsules. Everything about E441 Gelatine →
E442	Ammonium phosphatides	Halal
E442 Ammonium phosphatides What it is. An emulsifier used almost exclusively in chocolate, to keep it flowing while it is moulded. What it means. Ammonium phosphatides are made in practice from rapeseed oil and glycerol. SANHA lists E442 as Halal and gives its source as synthetic chemicals. Where you meet it. Chocolate bars, chocolate coatings, filled confectionery. Everything about E442 Ammonium phosphatides →
E445	Glycerol esters of wood rosin	Doubtful
E445 Glycerol esters of wood rosin What it is. Keeps citrus oils evenly mixed in drinks. What it means. E445 comes from pine rosin, but its glycerol part can come from different sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) Lab-made (synthetic) The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Cloudy citrus soft drinks. Everything about E445 Glycerol esters of wood rosin →
E450	Diphosphates	Halal
E450 Diphosphates What it is. Phosphate salts that make baked goods rise and keep processed meat and cheese from separating. What it means. Diphosphates are made from mineral phosphate rock, and SANHA lists E450 as Halal. Where you meet it. Baking powder, processed cheese, cured meat, instant noodles, cake mixes. Everything about E450 Diphosphates →
E451	Triphosphates	Halal
E451 Triphosphates What it is. Phosphate salts that hold water in meat and fish products. What it means. Triphosphates are made from mineral phosphate rock, and SANHA lists E451 as Halal. Where you meet it. Cured meat, sausages, frozen fish, processed cheese. Everything about E451 Triphosphates →
E452	Polyphosphates	Halal
E452 Polyphosphates What it is. Longer chains of the same phosphate salts, used as stabilisers. What it means. Polyphosphates are made from mineral phosphate rock, and SANHA lists E452 as Halal. Where you meet it. Processed cheese, meat products, powdered drinks, tinned fish. Everything about E452 Polyphosphates →
E460	Cellulose	Halal
E460 Cellulose What it is. Purified plant fibre, used to bulk and thicken. What it means. It is wood or cotton fibre, cleaned and ground. Where you meet it. Grated cheese, baked goods, supplements, low-fat products. Everything about E460 Cellulose →
E461	Methyl cellulose	Halal
E461 Methyl cellulose What it is. Plant cellulose modified to gel when heated. What it means. A thickener made from plant cellulose. Where you meet it. Meat-free burgers, sauces, bakery, ice cream. Everything about E461 Methyl cellulose →
E466	Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)	Halal
E466 Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) What it is. A cellulose gum that thickens and stops ice crystals. What it means. A thickener made from plant cellulose. Where you meet it. Ice cream, drinks, sauces, gluten-free baking. Everything about E466 Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) →
E470a	Fatty acid salts (sodium, potassium, calcium)	Doubtful
E470a Fatty acid salts (sodium, potassium, calcium) What it is. Anti-caking and emulsifying salts. What it means. Made from fatty acids that may be plant or animal in origin. Where you meet it. Powdered products, sweets, coatings. Everything about E470a Fatty acid salts (sodium, potassium, calcium) →
E470b	Magnesium salts of fatty acids	Doubtful
E470b Magnesium salts of fatty acids What it is. Anti-caking agent. What it means. Made from fatty acids, which can come from plant or animal fat, and the label does not say which. Where you meet it. Powders, tablets, sweets. Everything about E470b Magnesium salts of fatty acids →
E471	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids	Doubtful
E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids What it is. The most common emulsifier in packaged food: it keeps fat and water from separating. What it means. E471 can be made from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Sliced bread, margarine, ice cream, biscuits, cake. Everything about E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids →
E472	Esters of mono- and diglycerides	Doubtful
E472 Esters of mono- and diglycerides What it is. A family of emulsifiers built on E471, tuned for different jobs in a bakery. What it means. E472 is made from E471, which can come from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Bread, cakes, margarine, ice cream, whipped toppings. Everything about E472 Esters of mono- and diglycerides →
E472a	Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides	Doubtful
E472a Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides What it is. An E471 relative, modified for a particular job. What it means. E472a is made from E471, which can come from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Bakery goods, whipped toppings. Everything about E472a Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides →
E472b	Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides	Doubtful
E472b Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides What it is. An E471 relative. What it means. E472b is made from E471, which can come from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Cake mixes, desserts, toppings. Everything about E472b Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides →
E472c	Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides	Doubtful
E472c Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides What it is. An E471 relative. What it means. E472c is made from E471, which can come from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Margarine, sausages, sauces. Everything about E472c Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides →
E472d	Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides	Doubtful
E472d Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides What it is. An E472 variant made with tartaric acid, used to strengthen dough. What it means. Two open questions in one additive: the fatty acid can be plant or animal, and the tartaric acid is usually recovered from wine sediment. Neither is declared. Where you meet it. Bread, rolls, frozen dough, cake mixes. Everything about E472d Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides →
E472e	DATEM	Doubtful
E472e DATEM What it is. A dough conditioner that helps bread rise better. What it means. E472e is made from E471, which can come from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Packaged bread and rolls, pizza bases. Everything about E472e DATEM →
E472f	Mixed tartaric and acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides	Doubtful
E472f Mixed tartaric and acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides What it is. A combined E472 ester used in industrial baking. What it means. It carries both questions of E472d at once: the fat source is undeclared, and the tartaric acid is typically a wine by-product. Where you meet it. Industrial bread and rolls, packaged baked goods. Everything about E472f Mixed tartaric and acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides →
E473	Sucrose esters of fatty acids	Doubtful
E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids What it is. Sugar joined to fatty acids, used as an emulsifier. What it means. The fatty acid may be animal-derived. Where you meet it. Bakery goods, coffee drinks, fruit coatings. Everything about E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids →
E474	Sucroglycerides	Doubtful
E474 Sucroglycerides What it is. A sugar-and-fat emulsifier. What it means. Made from sugar and fatty acids; the fatty acids can come from plant or animal fat, and the label does not say which. Where you meet it. Dairy desserts, bakery. Everything about E474 Sucroglycerides →
E475	Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids	Doubtful
E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids What it is. An emulsifier for fatty products. What it means. E475 is made from fatty acids, which can come from different sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Cakes, biscuits, whipped cream. Everything about E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids →
E476	Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)	Doubtful
E476 Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) What it is. An emulsifier that makes chocolate flow smoothly with less cocoa butter. What it means. E476 is made from castor oil (plant), but its glycerol part can come from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) Cleared when a plant source is declared or the product carries a vegan mark; otherwise the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Chocolate, chocolate coatings, spreads. Everything about E476 Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) →
E477	Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids	Doubtful
E477 Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids What it is. An emulsifier used in aerated products. What it means. Fatty-acid source undeclared. Where you meet it. Whipped toppings, cake mixes. Everything about E477 Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids →
E479b	Thermally oxidised soya bean oil with mono- and diglycerides	Doubtful
E479b Thermally oxidised soya bean oil with mono- and diglycerides What it is. An anti-sticking emulsifier. What it means. It contains mono- and diglycerides, so the E471 question comes with it. Where you meet it. Frying fats, industrial baking. Everything about E479b Thermally oxidised soya bean oil with mono- and diglycerides →
E481	Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate	Doubtful
E481 Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate What it is. A dough strengthener. What it means. E481 can be made from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Packaged bread, buns, bakery mixes. Everything about E481 Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate →
E482	Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate	Doubtful
E482 Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate What it is. A dough strengthener. What it means. Built on stearic acid, which can come from plant or animal fat, and the label does not say which. Where you meet it. Bread, cake, whipped toppings. Everything about E482 Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate →
E483	Stearyl tartrate	Doubtful
E483 Stearyl tartrate What it is. A flour treatment agent. What it means. Built from stearic acid of undeclared origin and tartaric acid, which is often made from wine sediment. Where you meet it. Bakery flour mixes. Everything about E483 Stearyl tartrate →
E491	Sorbitan monostearate	Doubtful
E491 Sorbitan monostearate What it is. An emulsifier and anti-crystallising agent. What it means. Stearate can come from plant or animal fat. Where you meet it. Chocolate coatings, cake icing, yeast. Everything about E491 Sorbitan monostearate →
E492	Sorbitan tristearate	Doubtful
E492 Sorbitan tristearate What it is. Keeps chocolate glossy and stops fat bloom. What it means. E492 can be made from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the fat source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Chocolate, confectionery coatings. Everything about E492 Sorbitan tristearate →
E493	Sorbitan monolaurate	Doubtful
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate What it is. An emulsifier. What it means. Fatty-acid origin undeclared. Where you meet it. Bakery, beverages. Everything about E493 Sorbitan monolaurate →
E494	Sorbitan monooleate	Doubtful
E494 Sorbitan monooleate What it is. An emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed in toppings and icings. What it means. It is made from oleic acid, which is usually pressed from plants but can be rendered from animal fat. The label does not distinguish them. Where you meet it. Cake icing, whipped toppings, coffee whiteners, dessert mixes. Everything about E494 Sorbitan monooleate →
E495	Sorbitan monopalmitate	Doubtful
E495 Sorbitan monopalmitate What it is. An emulsifier. What it means. Fatty-acid origin undeclared. Where you meet it. Cake mixes, icings. Everything about E495 Sorbitan monopalmitate →
E500	Sodium carbonates	Halal
E500 Sodium carbonates What it is. Raising agents and acidity regulators. What it means. A mineral salt used as a raising agent. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Baked goods, noodles. Everything about E500 Sodium carbonates →
E501	Potassium carbonates	Halal
E501 Potassium carbonates What it is. Alkaline salts that raise dough and soften water. What it means. A mineral salt, mined or made synthetically. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Gingerbread, noodles, cocoa processing. Everything about E501 Potassium carbonates →
E503	Ammonium carbonates	Halal
E503 Ammonium carbonates What it is. The traditional baker's ammonia for flat biscuits. What it means. Baker's ammonia, made synthetically from ammonia and carbon dioxide. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Biscuits, crackers, flat baked goods. Everything about E503 Ammonium carbonates →
E504	Magnesium carbonates	Halal
E504 Magnesium carbonates What it is. An anticaking and alkalising mineral salt. What it means. Mined as magnesite or precipitated chemically. Where you meet it. Powdered foods, table salt, cocoa. Everything about E504 Magnesium carbonates →
E509	Calcium chloride	Halal
E509 Calcium chloride What it is. A mineral salt that keeps vegetables crisp and helps cheese set. What it means. A mineral salt — fine. Where you meet it. Tinned vegetables, pickles, cheese, bottled water. Everything about E509 Calcium chloride →
E524	Sodium hydroxide	Halal
E524 Sodium hydroxide What it is. A strong alkali used to adjust acidity and to treat pretzels and olives. What it means. A processing alkali. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Pretzels, olives, cocoa processing, peeled fruit. Everything about E524 Sodium hydroxide →
E542	Bone phosphate	Doubtful
E542 Bone phosphate What it is. An anti-caking agent made from animal bone. What it means. E542 is made from animal bone. Two things still need confirming: Which animal it came from How that animal was slaughtered Where you meet it. Some supplements, tablets and powdered products. Everything about E542 Bone phosphate →
E551	Silicon dioxide	Halal
E551 Silicon dioxide What it is. Finely ground silica, essentially purified sand. What it means. Basically fine sand, used to stop powders clumping — mineral, fine. Where you meet it. Powdered drinks, spices, supplements, table salt. Everything about E551 Silicon dioxide →
E570	Fatty acids (stearic acid)	Doubtful
E570 Fatty acids (stearic acid) What it is. Used as an anti-caking agent and coating. What it means. E570 is fatty acids, which can come from different sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Coated tablets, sweets, some fat blends. Everything about E570 Fatty acids (stearic acid) →
E572	Magnesium stearate	Doubtful
E572 Magnesium stearate What it is. A fine white powder that stops ingredients sticking to machinery. What it means. E572 is made from stearic acid, which can come from different fat sources: Plant oils Animal fats (including beef) Animal fats (including pork) The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Supplement and medicine tablets, powdered drink mixes, sweets. Everything about E572 Magnesium stearate →
E575	Glucono-delta-lactone	Halal
E575 Glucono-delta-lactone What it is. A slow-acting acidifier that sets tofu and cures sausage. What it means. An acidifier made by fermentation — fine. Where you meet it. Tofu, cured sausage, baking powder, dairy desserts. Everything about E575 Glucono-delta-lactone →
E621	Monosodium glutamate (MSG)	Doubtful
E621 Monosodium glutamate (MSG) What it is. The savoury flavour enhancer behind crisps, stock cubes and instant noodles. What it means. Standard commercial MSG is grown by fermentation on a plant substrate, and that is Halal. The catch is that the label never names the substrate, so you cannot tell whether a given product took the standard route. It stays a question until a Halal mark or the manufacturer settles it. IFANCA lists E621 as questionable (Q2). Where you meet it. Crisps, instant noodles, stock cubes, sauces, ready meals. Everything about E621 Monosodium glutamate (MSG) →
E622	Monopotassium glutamate	Doubtful
E622 Monopotassium glutamate What it is. A flavour enhancer: the potassium salt of glutamic acid and a close relative of E621 (MSG). What it means. The glutamic acid in it is normally made by fermentation on a plant base and paired with mineral potassium, and that route is Halal. As with E621, the label never names the fermentation base, so you cannot tell whether a given product took that route. It stays a question until a Halal mark or the manufacturer settles it. Where you meet it. Reduced-salt seasonings, stock cubes, soups, snacks. Everything about E622 Monopotassium glutamate →
E627	Disodium guanylate	Doubtful
E627 Disodium guanylate What it is. A flavour enhancer that makes savoury food taste fuller. What it means. E627 can be made from different sources: Yeast or microbes (fine) Fish (fine) Meat (not Halal if pork, or if not Halal-slaughtered) The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Instant noodles, crisps, stock cubes, seasoning. Everything about E627 Disodium guanylate →
E631	Disodium inosinate	Doubtful
E631 Disodium inosinate What it is. A flavour enhancer made by fermentation or from fish or meat, usually paired with E627. What it means. E631 can be made from different sources: Yeast or microbes (fine) Fish (fine) Meat (not Halal if pork, or if not Halal-slaughtered) The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Instant noodles, crisps, savoury snacks. Everything about E631 Disodium inosinate →
E635	Disodium ribonucleotides	Doubtful
E635 Disodium ribonucleotides What it is. A blend of E627 and E631. What it means. E635 is a blend of E627 and E631, so it carries the same question. They can come from: Yeast or microbes (fine) Fish (fine) Meat (not Halal if pork, or if not Halal-slaughtered) The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Instant noodles, seasonings, savoury snacks. Everything about E635 Disodium ribonucleotides →
E640	Glycine and its sodium salt	Doubtful
E640 Glycine and its sodium salt What it is. An amino acid used as a flavour modifier. What it means. E640 can be made from different sources: Lab-made (synthetic) Animal-derived The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Seasonings, some processed meat. Everything about E640 Glycine and its sodium salt →
E901	Beeswax	Halal
E901 Beeswax What it is. The wax bees build their comb from, used as a glaze. What it means. Wax from bees, used as a glaze — generally accepted as Halal. Where you meet it. Sweet coatings, fruit glazes, chewing gum, supplements. Everything about E901 Beeswax →
E903	Carnauba wax	Halal
E903 Carnauba wax What it is. A hard plant wax used for shine. What it means. A plant wax from the carnauba palm. Where you meet it. Chocolate lentils, fruit coatings, chewing gum. Everything about E903 Carnauba wax →
E904	Shellac	Doubtful
E904 Shellac What it is. A natural resin secreted by the lac insect, used to make things shine. What it means. A shiny glaze made from resin secreted by lac insects. Most scholars permit it Some do not Flagged so you can apply your own position. Where you meet it. Shiny chocolate lentils, glazed fruit, pill coatings. Everything about E904 Shellac →
E913	Lanolin	Doubtful
E913 Lanolin What it is. A wax from sheep's wool. What it means. It is animal-derived, and how it was obtained and processed is not declared. Where you meet it. Chewing gum base, some vitamin D3, cosmetics. Everything about E913 Lanolin →
E920	L-cysteine	Doubtful
E920 L-cysteine What it is. A dough conditioner that softens bread. What it means. E920 can be made from different sources: Lab-made or microbial (fine) Human hair Bird feathers The label does not say which, so the source needs confirming. Where you meet it. Packaged bread, buns, bakery improvers. Everything about E920 L-cysteine →
E921	L-cystine	Doubtful
E921 L-cystine What it is. Closely related to E920, used in bakery. What it means. Like E920, it has historically been made from feathers, hair or bristles as well as synthetically, and the source is not declared. Where you meet it. Bread and dough improvers. Everything about E921 L-cystine →
E950	Acesulfame K	Halal
E950 Acesulfame K What it is. An intense sweetener, roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar. What it means. A synthetic sweetener. No animal source is involved. Where you meet it. Diet drinks, sugar-free desserts, chewing gum, tabletop sweeteners. Everything about E950 Acesulfame K →
E951	Aspartame	Halal
E951 Aspartame What it is. An intense sweetener built from two amino acids. What it means. Both amino acids are produced by fermentation and synthesis, not taken from animals. Where you meet it. Diet drinks, sugar-free yoghurt, chewing gum, tabletop sweeteners. Everything about E951 Aspartame →
E955	Sucralose	Halal
E955 Sucralose What it is. A sweetener made by modifying ordinary sugar. What it means. Sugar cane or beet sugar, chemically altered so the body does not absorb it. Where you meet it. Diet drinks, baked goods, sugar-free sweets, sauces. Everything about E955 Sucralose →
E960	Steviol glycosides	Halal
E960 Steviol glycosides What it is. The sweetness extracted from stevia leaves. What it means. A sweetener extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. Plant-based. Where you meet it. Soft drinks, yoghurts, tabletop sweeteners, sugar-free sweets. Everything about E960 Steviol glycosides →
E965	Maltitol	Halal
E965 Maltitol What it is. A bulk sweetener that behaves like sugar in cooking. What it means. Made from plant starch, usually maize or wheat. Where you meet it. Sugar-free chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, sweets. Everything about E965 Maltitol →
E967	Xylitol	Halal
E967 Xylitol What it is. A sweetener with a strong cooling effect, known from dental gum. What it means. Produced from birch or maize fibre. Where you meet it. Chewing gum, mints, sugar-free sweets, toothpaste. Everything about E967 Xylitol →
E1105	Lysozyme	Halal
E1105 Lysozyme What it is. An enzyme that stops late fermentation in cheese and wine. What it means. An enzyme from egg white — fine (and a sign that egg is present). Where you meet it. Hard cheese, wine-style drinks. Everything about E1105 Lysozyme →
E1422	Acetylated distarch adipate	Halal
E1422 Acetylated distarch adipate What it is. A modified starch that survives freezing and reheating. What it means. A modified plant starch. Where you meet it. Ready meals, tinned soup, sauces, frozen food. Everything about E1422 Acetylated distarch adipate →
E1442	Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate	Halal
E1442 Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate What it is. Another modified plant starch, stable in acid. What it means. A modified plant starch. Where you meet it. Fruit fillings, dressings, instant desserts, ready meals. Everything about E1442 Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate →
E1518	Glyceryl triacetate (triacetin)	Doubtful
E1518 Glyceryl triacetate (triacetin) What it is. A carrier and humectant. What it means. The glycerol part can be animal-derived. Where you meet it. Flavourings, chewing gum. Everything about E1518 Glyceryl triacetate (triacetin) →

A status here describes the additive in general, and a specific product can be different. E471 made from confirmed plant oil is perfectly fine; the same E471 on another packet may not be. That is why the number alone is only half the answer: what matters is the whole ingredient list on the product in your hand, and whether the manufacturer has confirmed the source.

How to read an ingredient list yourself

Three habits catch most of what matters. First, an additive can appear as a number or as a name: "E471" and "mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids" are the same thing, and a manufacturer may print either. Second, the additives worth watching are rarely the strange-sounding ones: the emulsifier in bread, the shine on sweets and the flavour enhancer in crisps are the usual culprits. Third, "vegetarian" is not the same as Halal, though a credible vegan claim does rule out animal-derived additives.

Ingredients that carry no E-number

Some of the most consequential things in a list have no number at all. Gelatine is often written out in words. Rennet in cheese is animal-derived unless it says microbial or vegetarian. Alcohol can appear as an ingredient or hide as a carrier inside "natural flavouring", and that phrase covers a great deal. A number-by-number check will never catch those; reading the whole list will.

Guides: Is gelatine Halal? · Is Haribo Halal? · Alcohol in food · Is rennet Halal?

This is information, not a fatwa. These statuses combine published scholarly positions with ingredient analysis, and they can be incomplete or out of date. For anything that matters, confirm with the manufacturer and with a qualified authority.