What is E218?
E218 is Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben), a food additive used as a preservative. Made synthetically, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
Also written as: INS 218, E-218, E 218, methylparaben, methyl paraben. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E218 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E218 (Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben)) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Why we classify it this way
Halal Made synthetically, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E218 halal?
E218 (Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben)) is halal. Made synthetically, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
What is E218 made from?
Synthetic.
What is E218 used for?
E218 is used as a preservative, typically in soft drinks, bread, cured meats, dried fruit and sauces.
What should I do if a product contains E218?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E218 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E218 (Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben)) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.