What is E939?
E939 is Helium, a food additive used as a packaging gas. An inert gas used in packaging, so there is no animal or alcohol source.
Also written as: INS 939, E-939, E 939. 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 E939 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E939 (Helium) 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 An inert gas used in packaging, so there is no animal 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 E939 halal?
E939 (Helium) is halal. An inert gas used in packaging, so there is no animal or alcohol source.
What is E939 made from?
Natural gas.
What is E939 used for?
E939 is used as a packaging gas.
What should I do if a product contains E939?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E939 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E939 (Helium) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.