thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers

E496 — Sorbitan Trioleate

Emulsifier

Also known as: Span 85 · Sorbitan Trioleate

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 Emulsifier
Found in confectionery, some bakery products
Source sorbitol + oleic acid (plant olive/sunflower or animal tallow)

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 - oleic acid source must be verified. Same concerns as E494.

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, E496 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

Halal bread — free from animal-derived emulsifiers:

Browse halal alternatives on Amazon

Amazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.

Background & Details

About E496

E-number 496 is sorbitan trioleate emulsifiers and stabilizers - salts or esters of fatty acids. Suitable for vegetarian label indicates that only vegetable fat is used as a source 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.

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 E496 made from?

  • sorbitol + oleic acid (plant olive/sunflower or animal tallow)

Foods that commonly contain E496

Food Category Guide

E496 is common in confectionery — see the full halal guide →

confectionery some bakery products

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E496 (Sorbitan Trioleate) halal?

E496 (Sorbitan Trioleate) 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 E496 used for?

E496 is used as a emulsifier in food products.

What foods contain E496?

E496 (Sorbitan Trioleate) is commonly found in: confectionery, some bakery products.

What is E496 made from?

E496 can be derived from the following sources: sorbitol + oleic acid (plant olive/sunflower or animal tallow).

What are the other names for E496?

E496 may appear on food labels as: Span 85, Sorbitan Trioleate.

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.