What is E493?
E493 is Sorbitan monolaurate, a food additive used as an emulsifier. Depends on the source of the fatty acid.
Also written as: INS 493, E-493, E 493. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
How E493 is made and where it is used
This section is food science. The religious classification is explained further down.
Sorbitan monolaurate is an emulsifier made from sorbitol and lauric acid.
Lauric acid is mainly from coconut or palm kernel oil but can also be animal-derived.
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 E493 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E493 (Sorbitan monolaurate) 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 Depends on the source of the fatty acid.
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 E493 halal?
E493 (Sorbitan monolaurate) is doubtful (mushbooh). Depends on the source of the fatty acid.
What is E493 made from?
Sorbitol and lauric acid (plant or animal).
What is E493 used for?
E493 is used as an emulsifier, typically in bread, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice cream and margarine.
What should I do if a product contains E493?
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 E493 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E493 (Sorbitan monolaurate) 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.