E491 — Sorbitan Monostearate
Emulsifier - oil-in-water emulsifier
Also known as: Span 60 · Sorbitan Monostearate
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 - stearic acid source must be verified. 'Suitable for vegetarians' = plant source = halal.
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, E491 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 E491
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 E491 made from?
- sorbitol + stearic acid (plant or animal fat)
Foods that commonly contain E491
Food Category Guide
E491 is common in confectionery coatings — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E491 (Sorbitan Monostearate) halal?
E491 (Sorbitan Monostearate) 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 E491 used for?
E491 is used as a emulsifier - oil-in-water emulsifier in food products.
What foods contain E491?
E491 (Sorbitan Monostearate) is commonly found in: cake mixes, confectionery coatings, coffee whiteners.
What is E491 made from?
E491 can be derived from the following sources: sorbitol + stearic acid (plant or animal fat).
What are the other names for E491?
E491 may appear on food labels as: Span 60, Sorbitan Monostearate.
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.