What is E949?
E949 is Hydrogen, a food additive used as a packaging gas. Inert packaging gas.
Also written as: INS 949, E-949, E 949. 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 E949 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E949 (Hydrogen) 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 Inert packaging gas.
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 E949 halal?
E949 (Hydrogen) is halal. Inert packaging gas.
What is E949 made from?
Industrial gas.
What is E949 used for?
E949 is used as a packaging gas.
What should I do if a product contains E949?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E949 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E949 (Hydrogen) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.