Is E471 halal?
E471 is mushbooh (doubtful): it can be derived from animal or non-halal sources, so its halal status depends on the source used.
Automated classification, not a religious ruling. No scholar or certification body has reviewed this assessment — always check the product's own halal certification.
What is E471?
Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate). Emulsifier
Where does E471 come from?
E471 can be produced from either plant or animal raw materials, and the label almost never says which. The same E-number can come from a different source in another product, so where the origin matters, check that product's certification.
| Function | Emulsifier, Stabiliser |
|---|---|
| Is E471 vegetarian? | Not suitable for vegetarians |
| Approved in the EU | Yes |
| Food-safety regulator | U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food safety only — not a halal authority. |
E471 is identified internationally as Codex/INS 471.
EU approval: Yes.
Vegetarian status: Not suitable for vegetarians.
Products containing E471
Products in our database that list E471 among their ingredients:
- Coffee Enhancer French Vanilla International Delight — Danone, International Delight (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER — Jif (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Peanut Butter — Jif (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Classico - Pain blanc tranché — Villagio (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- D'ITALIANO — D'ITALIANO (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Spaghetti & Meatballs — Chef Boyardee (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Smooth — Kraft (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Smooth Peanut Butter — Kraft (Halal)
- Creamy Peanut Butter — Great Value (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Peanut Butter Crunch — Fleischer, Selbst gemacht, The Wholesome Bar, Uberti (Halal)
- Chocolate Syrup — Hershey's (Halal)
- Cranberry almond crunch — Post (Halal)
How this verdict was reached
E471 can be made from either plant or animal raw materials, and manufacturers rarely declare which. That unresolved origin is what makes it doubtful rather than permitted.
What this is based on
Frequently asked questions
Is E471 halal?
E471 is mushbooh (doubtful): it can be derived from animal or non-halal sources, so its halal status depends on the source used.
Where does E471 come from?
E471 can be produced from either plant or animal raw materials, and the label almost never says which. The same E-number can come from a different source in another product, so where the origin matters, check that product's certification.
How does E471 relate to Codex/INS numbering and regional food-safety rules?
E471 is identified internationally as Codex/INS 471. EU approval: Yes. Vegetarian status: Not suitable for vegetarians.
How this verdict was reached
E471 can be made from either plant or animal raw materials, and manufacturers rarely declare which. That unresolved origin is what makes it doubtful rather than permitted.
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