Is Mono- and Diglycerides (E471 / INS 471) Halal?
mono and diglycerides is doubtful (mushbooh) — its halal status depends on the source. Derived from fats — source may be plant or animal.
Why this status?
Derived from fats — source may be plant or animal. Seek certified halal.
Editorial summary
This summary is editorial and is general information, not a religious ruling. The status above is unchanged.
What they are
Mono- and diglycerides, also listed as E471, are emulsifiers that keep fat and water mixed and make bread soft, ice cream smooth and spreads stable. They are made by reacting glycerol with edible oils or fats, which means the source of the fat decides their status.
Why the status depends on the fat
Plant sources such as soy, palm, canola, sunflower and coconut oil give halal mono- and diglycerides. Animal sources such as beef tallow and pork lard are the concern: product from lard is haram, and product from beef tallow is acceptable only when the cattle were slaughtered according to Islamic rules. Some sources state that E471 made from entirely plant oils or produced synthetically is halal. Manufacturers are generally not required to print the source on the label, so a plain E471 on a list leaves the question open.
Reading a label
Look for vegetable mono- and diglycerides or a halal certification on the product. You will find them in bread, cakes, biscuits, margarine, ice cream, chocolate, peanut butter and many processed foods. When a product lists only mono- and diglycerides, ask the manufacturer for the fat source in writing, and choose a certified alternative if you cannot get an answer.
Common products
E471 is one of the most widespread emulsifiers, so it is worth knowing. Bread, buns, cakes, biscuits, margarine, ice cream, whipped toppings, peanut butter and chocolate often contain it. Because it is so common, certified products are the easiest route, and a manufacturer can confirm whether the fat is vegetable. In many products the source is palm or soybean oil.
In short
In short, E471 is halal when made from plant oils, doubtful from animal fat, and haram from lard. Manufacturers generally need not state the source, so look for vegetable wording or a halal mark.
Also listed on labels as
mono and diglycerides can appear on an ingredient list as E471, diglycerides, distilled monoglycerides, glycerol monostearate, monoglycerides.
What to ask the manufacturer
Ask the manufacturer in writing where the ingredient comes from: whether it is plant, microbial or animal in origin, and if it is animal, which animal and how it was slaughtered. Ask whether any alcohol was used as a solvent or carrier, and whether the product carries a halal certificate from a body your local authority recognizes. Keep the answer, because suppliers and recipes change.
Products and questions that involve mono and diglycerides
Sources
Classification based on clinical nutrition assessment; no independent published study cited.
Reviewed by Habib Aman, Islamic Scholar, MBA — last reviewed September 27, 2026.
This is general guidance for everyday shopping, not a religious ruling. Formulations vary by manufacturer and country — confirm with the manufacturer or your local scholar when it matters.
Checking a whole product?
SafaScan is a halal scanner app that is coming soon. It will check mono and diglycerides and every other ingredient on a product. Sign up for launch updates. Learn about SafaScan.
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