Halal Critical-Point Ingredient Database

Animal-derived Halal

Albumin (Egg White)

A protein from egg white — generally halal, but still worth verifying against non-halal blending.

Alcohol Derivative Doubtful (Syubhat)

Alcohol / Ethanol

A solvent and preservative whose status depends on its source, concentration, and purpose.

Alcohol Derivative Depends on Source

Alcohol-Extracted Propolis

A bee-derived supplement that is halal in itself, though its standard extraction process uses high-proof ethanol.

Animal-derived Depends on Source

Animal Fat / Shortening

Solid animal fat used for frying and baking; lard from pork is unconditionally haram.

Animal-derived Doubtful (Syubhat)

Carmine / Cochineal (E120) (E120)

A natural red dye from the cochineal insect; scholars hold differing views on its status.

Animal-derived Depends on Source

Collagen

A structural protein from animal skin/bone; its source determines halal status, just like gelatin.

Chemical & Additive Depends on Source

Flavoring

Added flavor whose solvent is often alcohol, and whose base can be animal-derived.

Animal-derived Depends on Source

Gelatin

A gelling protein from animal collagen; halal only when the source animal and its slaughter are verified.

Animal-derived Depends on Source

Gelatin Capsule Shells

The gelatin shell of medicine/supplement capsules — a critical point consumers most often overlook.

Chemical & Additive Depends on Source

Glycerin / Glycerol (E422) (E422)

A multipurpose humectant that can come from palm oil (halal) or pork fat (haram).

Animal-derived Depends on Source

Isinglass

A fining agent made from fish swim bladders, commonly used to clarify beer and wine.

Chemical & Additive Depends on Source

L-Arginine and Other Amino Acids

An amino acid supplement that can come from microbial fermentation (safe) or animal-derived extraction.

Chemical & Additive Depends on Source

L-Cysteine (E920) (E920)

A dough conditioner historically extracted from human hair or poultry feathers.

Plant-derived Depends on Source

Lecithin (E322) (E322)

An emulsifier usually from soy (halal), though some comes from egg yolk or animal fat.

Animal-derived Depends on Source

Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM)

Bone-residue meat extracted by machine; it carries a risk of mixing between different animal species.

Microbial Depends on Source

Microbial Food-Processing Enzymes

A broad category of enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) that can be microbial, plant, or animal in origin.

Chemical & Additive Depends on Source

Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (E471) (E471)

The most common food emulsifier; it can come from palm oil or animal fat.

Animal-derived Depends on Source

Pepsin

A protein-digesting enzyme from pig or cattle stomach, used in cheesemaking and pharmaceuticals.

Alcohol Derivative Depends on Source

Perfume / Fragrance

A cosmetic scent that usually has a high-alcohol solvent and can contain animal-derived musk.

Microbial Depends on Source

Rennet (Milk-Coagulating Enzyme)

The enzyme that curdles cheese; animal rennet comes from a calf's stomach and must come from a halal-slaughtered animal.