E471 — Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
Emulsifier - prevents fat and water separating, improves texture
Also known as: GMS · Diglycerides · Monoglycerides · Glyceryl Monostearate · Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
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.
Is E471 (Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids) halal?
E471 is Mushbooh (doubtful) — it can be Halal or Haram depending on the source. If derived from plant oils (palm, soya, sunflower) it is Halal. If derived from pork or non-zabiha animal fat it is Haram. The label rarely specifies the source, so look for halal certification or contact the manufacturer.
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
This is one of the most disputed E-codes. If derived from vegetable or synthetic sources it is halal. If derived from animal fat (particularly pork) it is haraam. Most European manufacturers use palm or soya oil but are not required to specify. The HFA and IFANCA both advise seeking halal certification or manufacturer confirmation.
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, E471 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?
Halal bread — free from animal-derived emulsifiers:
Browse halal alternatives on AmazonAmazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
About E471
Emulsifiers and stabilizers - salts or esters of fatty acids. If the fat source is from soy fat then it is Halal. If it is from pork fat then it is haram. If it is from non zabiha beef then it is not Halal. If a claim appeared on food package "suitable for vegetarian" containing e-number 471 then it means the e number 471 is from soy fat. The food product is Halal if all other ingredients are Halal. Haraam if it is from pork fat. Halal if it is from plant 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 E471 made from?
- vegetable oils (plant - palm, soya, sunflower)
- animal fats (pork, beef)
- synthetic
Found in products
⚠️ Product formulations change. Always verify by checking the current ingredient list on the packaging.
Possible Impurities
Beyond the declared ingredient, these processing factors may also affect halal status:
- • Animal-rendered glycerol — if the glycerol carrier is derived from pork or non-zabiha beef fat, it introduces a haram impurity even if the fatty acids are plant-sourced.
- • Residual animal fat from refining — low-quality industrial processing can leave trace animal fats from non-halal rendering.
Foods that commonly contain E471
Food Category Guide
E471 is common in margarine — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E471 (Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids) halal?
E471 is Mushbooh (doubtful) — it can be Halal or Haram depending on the source. If derived from plant oils (palm, soya, sunflower) it is Halal. If derived from pork or non-zabiha animal fat it is Haram. The label rarely specifies the source, so look for halal certification or contact the manufacturer.
What is E471 used for?
E471 is used as a emulsifier - prevents fat and water separating, improves texture in food products.
What foods contain E471?
E471 (Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids) is commonly found in: bread and baked goods, margarine, ice cream, peanut butter, chocolate, instant mashed potato, coffee whiteners, chewing gum.
What is E471 made from?
E471 can be derived from the following sources: vegetable oils (plant - palm, soya, sunflower), animal fats (pork, beef), synthetic.
What are the other names for E471?
E471 may appear on food labels as: GMS, Diglycerides, Monoglycerides, Glyceryl Monostearate, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids.
thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers — 69 E-codes: 30 Halal, 0 Haraam, 39 Mushbooh
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Commonly appears with
These E-codes often appear on the same food label — check them too.
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.