Halal stabilisers: E-number list

Code	Name	Made from	Status
E426	Soybean hemicellulose	Soya beans.	✓ Halal
E443	Brominated vegetable oil	Vegetable oil treated with bromine.	✓ Halal
E444	Sucrose acetate isobutyrate	Synthetic, from sugar.	✓ Halal
E445	Glycerol esters of wood rosins	Wood rosin and glycerol.	? Doubtful
E451	Triphosphates	Mineral.	✓ Halal
E452	Polyphosphates	Mineral.	✓ Halal
E459	Beta-cyclodextrin	Starch (enzymatic).	✓ Halal
E468	Crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose	Cellulose.	✓ Halal
E499	Stigmasterol-rich plant sterols	Plant oils.	✓ Halal
E1201	Polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone)	Synthetic.	✓ Halal
E1202	Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone	Synthetic.	✓ Halal

About stabilisers

Stabilisers stop a food from separating, such as oil and water in a dressing, or minerals settling out of a drink. The phosphates E451 and E452 are used in processed meats, cheeses and desserts.

PVPP, E1202, is used to clear beer and wine, which are haram on their own account. The other stabilisers on this list are plant-based or synthetic.

Plant-based drinks such as oat and almond milk often use a stabiliser to stop the protein from settling, so you may see some of these codes on them.

Other additive types

• Acidity regulators
• Anti-caking agents
• Antioxidants
• Carriers
• Colours
• Emulsifiers
• Firming agents
• Flavour enhancers
• Glazing agents
• Modified starches
• Packaging gases
• Preservatives
• Raising agents
• Sweeteners
• Thickeners