food colors

E140 — Chlorophyll

Green food coloring

Also known as: Chlorophyll · Chlorophyllin

Verification required

Verify — Mushbooh

Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.

Function Green food coloring
Found in green pasta, sauces & more
Source plant leaves (spinach, nettles, grass) - extracted using organic solvents

Checking this in a shop right now?

Vegan / vegetarian label on pack → plant-based source → safe for this code

HFA / HMC / IFANCA / JAKIM logo → independently certified → safe

Neither? Follow the steps below.

School of Thought Breakdown

Hanafi

Verify source

Maliki

May permit

Shafi'i

Avoid if animal

Hanbali

Avoid if animal

The pigment itself is plant-derived and halal. However, alcohol-based solvents are commonly used in extraction, which makes the final product Mushbooh. Water-extracted chlorophyllin is halal.

What to do with this product

Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2

1

Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim

If present, E140 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.

Vegan / vegetarian claim = plant-sourced = safe
2

Look for a halal certification logo on the pack

An HFA, HMC, IFANCA, JAKIM, or ESMA logo means the source has been independently audited. The E-code is confirmed halal in this product.

Certified logo = independently verified

Neither? Here's what to do next:

📍 In store

Put it back and look for a certified alternative on the same shelf.

Check for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo, or labelled "suitable for vegans". Either confirms a safe source.

Did you find a certified alternative?

🌐 Shopping online

Verified halal alternatives:

Browse halal alternatives on Amazon

Amazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.

Background & Details

About E140

Color. It is a plant pigment and Halal only if extracting solvents are Halal not alcohol.

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 E140 made from?

  • plant leaves (spinach, nettles, grass) - extracted using organic solvents

Foods that commonly contain E140

Food Category Guide

E140 is common in sauces — see the full halal guide →

green pasta sauces soups confectionery flavored milk

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E140 (Chlorophyll) halal?

E140 (Chlorophyll) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.

What is E140 used for?

E140 is used as a green food coloring in food products.

What foods contain E140?

E140 (Chlorophyll) is commonly found in: green pasta, sauces, soups, confectionery, flavored milk.

What is E140 made from?

E140 can be derived from the following sources: plant leaves (spinach, nettles, grass) - extracted using organic solvents.

What are the other names for E140?

E140 may appear on food labels as: Chlorophyll, Chlorophyllin.

Free weekly guide

Know before you eat — wherever you are

Join Muslims worldwide who get our weekly halal food guide — ingredient alerts, certified brand updates, and products your family can buy without second-guessing.

This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.