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.
More about castoreum
Castoreum is a secretion from the castor glands of beavers. It has been used in perfume and, rarely, as part of a flavouring for vanilla or raspberry tastes. It is hardly used in food today.
On a label it would be hidden inside natural flavouring. If a brand cannot say what its natural flavouring is made from, a halal or vegan mark is a safer guide.
Is castoreum vegetarian or vegan?
No. Castoreum comes from animals, so it is not vegetarian or vegan.
Why we classify it this way
Doubtful A flavouring from the castor gland of the beaver. It comes from an animal source, so the animal and its slaughter matter. It is almost never used in food today.
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.
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 castoreum halal?
Castoreum is doubtful (mushbooh). A flavouring from the castor gland of the beaver. It comes from an animal source, so the animal and its slaughter matter. It is almost never used in food today.
Where does castoreum come from?
Beaver scent glands.
Is castoreum vegetarian or vegan?
No. Castoreum comes from animals, so it is not vegetarian or vegan.