E640 — Glycine and its sodium salt
Flavour enhancer and sweetener
Also known as: Glycine · Aminoacetic Acid
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 - if from animal gelatin hydrolysis, must verify the animal source. Synthetic glycine 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, E640 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 snacks — no MSG or nucleotide flavor enhancers:
Browse halal alternatives on AmazonAmazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
About E640
Glycin is a amino acid obtained either plant protein or animal protein. Only plant protein glycine is Halal or if a claim "suitable for vegetarian" appeared on food package containing glycine, it means that glycine is obtained from vegetable protein.
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 E640 made from?
- synthetic
- animal gelatin hydrolysis (animal source)
Foods that commonly contain E640
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E640 (Glycine and its sodium salt) halal?
E640 (Glycine and its sodium salt) 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 E640 used for?
E640 is used as a flavour enhancer and sweetener in food products.
What foods contain E640?
E640 (Glycine and its sodium salt) is commonly found in: some seasoning mixes, nutritional supplements.
What is E640 made from?
E640 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic, animal gelatin hydrolysis (animal source).
What are the other names for E640?
E640 may appear on food labels as: Glycine, Aminoacetic Acid.
flavor enhancers — 20 E-codes: 3 Halal, 0 Haraam, 17 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in flavor enhancers
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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.