thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers

E440A — Pectin

Gelling agent, thickener and stabiliser

Also known as: Pectin · Apple Pectin · Citrus Pectin

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 Gelling agent, thickener and stabiliser
Found in jam, marmalade & more
Source apple pomace or citrus peel (plant)

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

Plant-derived gelling agent. Mushbooh if ethyl alcohol (ethanol) used in processing. Halal if isopropyl alcohol (completely removed) or no alcohol used. Most commercial pectin 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, E440A 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

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Background & Details

About E440A

Emulsifier and stabilizer - pectin and derivatives. Halal if isopropyl alcohol is used and taken out not Halal if ethyl alcohol is used.

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 E440A made from?

  • apple pomace or citrus peel (plant)
  • may use isopropyl or ethyl alcohol in processing

Foods that commonly contain E440A

Food Category Guide

E440A is common in jelly — see the full halal guide →

jam marmalade jelly yogurt fruit juice confectionery

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E440A (Pectin) halal?

E440A (Pectin) 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 E440A used for?

E440A is used as a gelling agent, thickener and stabiliser in food products.

What foods contain E440A?

E440A (Pectin) is commonly found in: jam, marmalade, jelly, yogurt, fruit juice, confectionery.

What is E440A made from?

E440A can be derived from the following sources: apple pomace or citrus peel (plant), may use isopropyl or ethyl alcohol in processing.

What are the other names for E440A?

E440A may appear on food labels as: Pectin, Apple Pectin, Citrus Pectin.

thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers — 69 E-codes: 30 Halal, 0 Haraam, 39 Mushbooh

Related E-Codes in thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers

Show 9 more thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers E-codes

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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.