E471: halal or haram?
E471 is halal when it is plant-based or certified, haram when it comes from pork. Without any detail on the packaging it is considered doubtful.
What is E471?
E471 means mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, a very common emulsifier: sliced bread, pastries, biscuits, ice cream, desserts, margarine. It helps mix water and fat and keeps products soft.
Why its origin raises questions
These glycerides are made from fats, which can be plant-based (soy, rapeseed, sunflower, palm) or animal, including pork and beef. Labels usually say “E471” or “mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids” without stating the source.
How to tell if it is halal
It is acceptable when the packaging states a plant source (“E471 of vegetable origin”, “from rapeseed”) or when the product carries the logo of a recognised halal certifying body. Vegan products only contain plant-based E471. Without these signs the source is unknown, so it is considered doubtful.
What Halal Scanner does
The app finds E471 and its other names in the ingredient list and flags it as doubtful, unless a plant source is stated next to it or the product is certified.
Updated on 2026-11-08. Halal Scanner is an information aid. Only the logo of a recognised certifying body on the packaging is a guarantee.
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Scan the barcode with Halal Scanner: the app spots these ingredients for you and explains the verdict.
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