antioxidants, phosphates, and complexing agents

E304 — Ascorbyl Palmitate

Fat-soluble antioxidant - protects oils and fats from rancidity

Also known as: Ascorbyl Stearate · Ascorbyl Palmitate

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 Fat-soluble antioxidant - protects oils and fats from rancidity
Found in frying oils, potato crisps & more
Source ascorbic acid + palmitic acid - palmitic acid may be from plant or animal fat

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

Mushbooh - halal only if palmitic acid is from plant (vegetable) fat. 'Suitable for vegetarians' label confirms plant source. Animal-derived palmitic acid may be from pork.

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, E304 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:

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Background & Details

About E304

Antioxidants- vitamin c and derivatives. It is a ester formed by reacting palmitic acid(fat source)and ascorbic acid(vitamin c). It is Halal only if the palmitic acid is obtained from plant fat such as soy fat. &Quot;suitable for vegetarian" label indicates that palmitic acid is from vegetable 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 E304 made from?

  • ascorbic acid + palmitic acid - palmitic acid may be from plant or animal fat

Foods that commonly contain E304

Food Category Guide

E304 is common in margarine — see the full halal guide →

frying oils potato crisps margarine some baked goods

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E304 (Ascorbyl Palmitate) halal?

E304 (Ascorbyl Palmitate) 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 E304 used for?

E304 is used as a fat-soluble antioxidant - protects oils and fats from rancidity in food products.

What foods contain E304?

E304 (Ascorbyl Palmitate) is commonly found in: frying oils, potato crisps, margarine, some baked goods.

What is E304 made from?

E304 can be derived from the following sources: ascorbic acid + palmitic acid - palmitic acid may be from plant or animal fat.

What are the other names for E304?

E304 may appear on food labels as: Ascorbyl Stearate, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

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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.