What is E426?
E426 is Soybean hemicellulose, a food additive used as a stabiliser. Plant-derived.
Also written as: INS 426, E-426, E 426. 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 E426 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E426 (Soybean hemicellulose) 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 Plant-derived.
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 E426 halal?
E426 (Soybean hemicellulose) is halal. Plant-derived.
What is E426 made from?
Soya beans.
What is E426 used for?
E426 is used as a stabiliser.
What should I do if a product contains E426?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E426 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E426 (Soybean hemicellulose) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.