E951 — Aspartame
Artificial sweetener - 200x sweeter than sugar
Also known as: APM · Equal · Aspartame · NutraSweet
Not permissible
No — Haraam
Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
School of Thought Breakdown
Hanafi
Not Permitted
Maliki
Not Permitted
Shafi'i
Not Permitted
Hanbali
Not Permitted
Listed as Haraam in some databases because alcohol was historically used in processing. Most scholars and halal certifiers now consider modern aspartame halal. The alcohol used in synthesis is not present in the final product. Hanafi position is most cautious - seek halal-certified products if concerned.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Avoid this product — E951 is from an impermissible source
This applies regardless of any other claims on the packaging. A halal logo elsewhere on the product does not override a known haram ingredient.
Find a halal-certified alternative
Scan a substitute product's label using the HalalCodeCheck scanner to verify all its E-codes at once.
Need a halal alternative?
Put it back — look for a halal-certified version on the same shelf.
Look for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo. This confirms all ingredients — including this E-code — have been independently audited.
Halal-certified confectionery:
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About E951
A synthetic sweetener but alcohol is used during it processing Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
Not Permissible
Avoid products listing this E-code unless you have confirmed the product holds a valid halal certification covering this ingredient.
What is E951 made from?
- synthetic (from aspartic acid and phenylalanine amino acids)
Foods that commonly contain E951
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E951 (Aspartame/Nutrasweet) halal?
E951 (Aspartame/Nutrasweet) is classified as Haraam (Prohibited). Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
What is E951 used for?
E951 is used as a artificial sweetener - 200x sweeter than sugar in food products.
What foods contain E951?
E951 (Aspartame/Nutrasweet) is commonly found in: diet soft drinks, sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free yogurt, tabletop sweeteners.
What is E951 made from?
E951 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic (from aspartic acid and phenylalanine amino acids).
What are the other names for E951?
E951 may appear on food labels as: APM, Equal, Aspartame, NutraSweet.
surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners — 32 E-codes: 25 Halal, 2 Haraam, 5 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.