salts and related compounds

E503 — Ammonium Bicarbonate

Raising agent - used in old-fashioned biscuit/cookie recipes

Also known as: Hartshorn Salt · Ammonium Bicarbonate · Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate

Permissible

Yes — Halal

Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

Function Raising agent - used in old-fashioned biscuit/cookie recipes
Found in shortbread, ginger nuts & more
Source synthetic (ammonia + CO₂)

School of Thought Breakdown

Hanafi

Permitted

Maliki

Permitted

Shafi'i

Permitted

Hanbali

Permitted

Synthetic - halal.

What to do with this product

Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2

1

Safe to consume

E503 is permissible across all major schools of Islamic thought. No further verification is needed for this specific additive.

Permissible — no verification required
2

Still check the rest of the ingredients list

Other E-codes on the same label may have a different halal status. Use our database or scanner to verify each one.

Always verify the complete label

You're all clear for this additive

E503 is permissible. Focus your label check on the other E-codes in this product — some may have different statuses.

Scan the full label →
Background & Details

About E503

Miscellaneous - acids and salts: carbonates Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What is E503 made from?

  • synthetic (ammonia + CO₂)

Foods that commonly contain E503

shortbread ginger nuts crackers some confectionery

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E503 (Ammonium Bicarbonate/Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate) halal?

E503 (Ammonium Bicarbonate/Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate) is classified as Halal. Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What is E503 used for?

E503 is used as a raising agent - used in old-fashioned biscuit/cookie recipes in food products.

What foods contain E503?

E503 (Ammonium Bicarbonate/Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate) is commonly found in: shortbread, ginger nuts, crackers, some confectionery.

What is E503 made from?

E503 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic (ammonia + CO₂).

What are the other names for E503?

E503 may appear on food labels as: Hartshorn Salt, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate.

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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.