E476 — Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate
Emulsifier - reduces viscosity of chocolate, replaces some cocoa butter
Also known as: PGPR · Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate
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
Mushbooh - the ricinoleate (castor oil) is plant-derived (halal) but the glycerol source must be verified. Major chocolate companies typically use plant glycerol.
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, E476 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 chocolate — verified emulsifier source:
Browse halal alternatives on AmazonAmazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
About E476
Emulsifiers and stabilizers - salts or esters of fatty acids. Suitable for vegetarian label indicates that only vegetable fat is used as a source.. Halal if it is 100% from plant fat. Haraam if it is from pork 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 E476 made from?
- glycerol (plant or animal) + castor oil (plant)
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-derived glycerol — the polyglycerol component can be manufactured from glycerol obtained from animal fat rendering; without halal certification the source is unverifiable from the label.
- • Castor oil processing residues — though castor oil itself is halal, industrial processing may involve cross-contact with other oleochemicals at shared facilities.
Foods that commonly contain E476
Food Category Guide
E476 is common in chocolate — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E476 (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate) halal?
E476 (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate) 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 E476 used for?
E476 is used as a emulsifier - reduces viscosity of chocolate, replaces some cocoa butter in food products.
What foods contain E476?
E476 (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate) is commonly found in: chocolate, chocolate-flavored coatings, spreads.
What is E476 made from?
E476 can be derived from the following sources: glycerol (plant or animal) + castor oil (plant).
What are the other names for E476?
E476 may appear on food labels as: PGPR, Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate.
thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers — 69 E-codes: 30 Halal, 0 Haraam, 39 Mushbooh
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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.