What is E406?
E406 is Agar, a gelling agent. A common halal replacement for gelatin.
Also written as: INS 406, E-406, E 406, agar agar, agar-agar. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Is E406 halal?
E406 (Agar) is halal. A common halal replacement for gelatin.
What is E406 made from?
Red seaweed.
What is E406 used for?
E406 is used as a gelling agent, typically in sweets, jelly, desserts, yoghurts and marshmallows.
What should I do if a product contains E406?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Related E-numbers
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. How we decide · Suggest a correction