Verify - Mushbooh

E471

thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers

Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

Also known as: GMSDiglyceridesMonoglyceridesGlyceryl MonostearateMono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

Status

Mushbooh (Questionable)

Function

Emulsifier - prevents fat and water separating, improves texture

Mushbooh (Questionable)

Is E471 (Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids) halal?

E471 is Mushbooh (doubtful) — it can be Halal or Haram depending on the source. If derived from plant oils (palm, soya, sunflower) it is Halal. If derived from pork or non-zabiha animal fat it is Haram. The label rarely specifies the source, so look for halal certification or contact the manufacturer.

What to do

Don't assume. Ask the brand for halal certification or source info.

See Sources below →

About E471

Emulsifiers and stabilizers - salts or esters of fatty acids. If the fat source is from soy fat then it is Halal. If it is from pork fat then it is haram. If it is from non zabiha beef then it is not Halal. If a claim appeared on food package "suitable for vegetarian" containing e-number 471 then it means the e number 471 is from soy fat. The food product is Halal if all other ingredients are Halal. Haram if it is from pork fat. Halal if it is from plant fat

Verification Required

This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.

What is E471 made from?

vegetable oils (plant - palm, soya, sunflower)
animal fats (pork, beef)
synthetic

Found in products

Hovis Wholemeal bread Warburtons Toastie loaf McVitie's Digestive Biscuits Cadbury Dairy Milk (some variants) Birds Eye beef burgers

⚠️ Product formulations change. Always verify by checking the current ingredient list on the packaging.

Scholarly Notes

This is one of the most disputed E-codes. If derived from vegetable or synthetic sources it is halal. If derived from animal fat (particularly pork) it is haraam. Most European manufacturers use palm or soya oil but are not required to specify. The HFA and IFANCA both advise seeking halal certification or manufacturer confirmation.

Possible Impurities

Beyond the declared ingredient, these processing factors may also affect halal status:

• Animal-rendered glycerol — if the glycerol carrier is derived from pork or non-zabiha beef fat, it introduces a haram impurity even if the fatty acids are plant-sourced.
• Residual animal fat from refining — low-quality industrial processing can leave trace animal fats from non-halal rendering.

Foods that commonly contain E471

Food Category Guide

E471 is common in margarine — see the full halal guide →

bread and baked goods margarine ice cream peanut butter chocolate instant mashed potato coffee whiteners chewing gum protein bars protein powder meal replacement shakes vitamins and supplements plant-based meat breakfast cereal instant noodles ready meals baby formula nut butter coffee products

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Halal Alternatives

These E-codes serve a similar function and are generally considered halal:

E322 - Lecithin

Emulsifier - keeps oil and water mixed together

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E471 (Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids) halal?

What is E471 used for?

E471 is used as a emulsifier - prevents fat and water separating, improves texture in food products.

What foods contain E471?

E471 (Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids) is commonly found in: bread and baked goods, margarine, ice cream, peanut butter, chocolate, instant mashed potato, coffee whiteners, chewing gum, protein bars, protein powder, meal replacement shakes, vitamins and supplements, plant-based meat, breakfast cereal, instant noodles, ready meals, baby formula, nut butter, coffee products.