What is E483?
E483 is Stearyl tartrate, a food additive used as an emulsifier. The fat can come from plants (palm, coconut, sunflower) or from animals, including pigs, and the label rarely says which. It is doubtful unless the product is vegan or halal certified.
Also written as: INS 483, E-483, E 483. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
How E483 is made and where it is used
This section is food science. The religious classification is explained further down.
Stearyl tartrate is a flour treatment agent used to improve dough.
Stearyl alcohol from plant or animal fat is combined with tartaric acid.
It is uncommon in everyday foods.
What to do
Look for a halal logo, a "vegan" label, or a stated plant source on the pack. If none of these are present, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for the source.
Is E483 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E483 (Stearyl tartrate) can be made from plant or animal sources, and labels rarely say which. A vegetarian or vegan label on the pack confirms a plant or synthetic source.
Why we classify it this way
Doubtful The fat can come from plants (palm, coconut, sunflower) or from animals, including pigs, and the label rarely says which. It is doubtful unless the product is vegan or halal certified.
Basis: Source or process not stated. It can be made from sources that change the ruling (for example pigs, an animal that was not slaughtered correctly, or alcohol), and the label does not say which.
References
- Resolution No. 210 (6/22): Transmutation and Dilution of Additives in Food and Medication, International Islamic Fiqh Academy (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), 22 March 2015. Defines istihalah as a complete change into a different substance and says a partial change does not make a defiled substance pure. Adopts a 1995 IOMS fatwa that allows a slight amount of alcohol as a solvent for colours and preservatives, and alcohol on the skin, but says foods containing wine are not permitted even in a small ratio. Pig fat and pig rennet are prohibited; rennet from a correctly slaughtered animal is permitted; most participants hold rennet from an animal that was not slaughtered impure while some disagree; rennet made by genetic engineering is permitted. Pig heparin only under necessity. Gelatin was referred for further study with no ruling.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E483 halal?
E483 (Stearyl tartrate) is doubtful (mushbooh). The fat can come from plants (palm, coconut, sunflower) or from animals, including pigs, and the label rarely says which. It is doubtful unless the product is vegan or halal certified.
What is E483 made from?
Stearyl alcohol (plant or animal fat) and tartaric acid.
What is E483 used for?
E483 is used as an emulsifier, typically in bread, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice cream and margarine.
What should I do if a product contains E483?
Look for a halal logo, a "vegan" label, or a stated plant source on the pack. If none of these are present, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for the source.
Is E483 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E483 (Stearyl tartrate) can be made from plant or animal sources, and labels rarely say which. A vegetarian or vegan label on the pack confirms a plant or synthetic source.