E155 — Brown HT
Brown food coloring
Also known as: Brown HT · CI 20285 · Chocolate Brown HT
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.
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
Synthetic dye - mushbooh (solvent may be alcohol-based in liquid form). Not permitted in USA, Australia or Norway.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim
If present, E155 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.
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.
Neither? Here's what to do next:
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?
Verified halal alternatives:
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About E155
Colors it is a synthetic coal tar diazo dye. It is Halal if used as powder. Liquid brown ht is Halal only if the solvents are Halal.. Halal if used as 100% dry color. If used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal
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 E155 made from?
- synthetic azo dye
Foods that commonly contain E155
Food Category Guide
E155 is common in biscuits — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E155 (Brown HT/Chocolate Brown HT (C.I. 20285)) halal?
E155 (Brown HT/Chocolate Brown HT (C.I. 20285)) 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 E155 used for?
E155 is used as a brown food coloring in food products.
What foods contain E155?
E155 (Brown HT/Chocolate Brown HT (C.I. 20285)) is commonly found in: chocolate-flavored cakes, biscuits, some confectionery.
What is E155 made from?
E155 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic azo dye.
What are the other names for E155?
E155 may appear on food labels as: Brown HT, CI 20285, Chocolate Brown HT.
food colors — 51 E-codes: 20 Halal, 2 Haraam, 29 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in food colors
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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.