Is E471 (Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) halal?

It depends on the source. It can be made from plants, by fermentation or synthetically, or from animal fat or tissue, and the label rarely says which. Made from fatty acids that can come from plant oils or animal fat (including pork). Source is rarely on the label. One of the most common additives in bread, margarine and ice cream.

What E471 is used for

Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids is used as a emulsifier / stabiliser. On Australian labels it usually appears by its function and number, for example "emulsifier (471)", without the letter E.

How to tell if it's halal

Look for a halal certifier's logo, or a source named on the label, such as "emulsifier (471, from vegetable oil)". If there's neither, email the manufacturer and ask where it comes from.

Products in our directory that contain it

Darrell Lea Allsorts Liquorice 270g: contains haram ingredient

Check a label with E471

Paste the full ingredient list into our label checker. It flags E471 along with every other additive that needs a second look.