E495 — Sorbitan Monopalmitate
Emulsifier
Also known as: Span 40 · Sorbitan Monopalmitate
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 - palmitic acid source must be verified. Plant-based is 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, E495 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 E495
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 E495 made from?
- sorbitol + palmitic acid (plant palm oil or animal tallow)
Foods that commonly contain E495
Food Category Guide
E495 is common in confectionery — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E495 (Sorbitan Monopalmitate/Span 40) halal?
E495 (Sorbitan Monopalmitate/Span 40) 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 E495 used for?
E495 is used as a emulsifier in food products.
What foods contain E495?
E495 (Sorbitan Monopalmitate/Span 40) is commonly found in: confectionery, bakery products.
What is E495 made from?
E495 can be derived from the following sources: sorbitol + palmitic acid (plant palm oil or animal tallow).
What are the other names for E495?
E495 may appear on food labels as: Span 40, Sorbitan Monopalmitate.
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.