Is E1518 halal?

What is E1518?

Triacetin is a colourless, oily liquid made by reacting glycerol with acetic anhydride, a form of acetic acid. It can also be made fully synthetically from petrochemicals. In food it keeps products moist and acts as a solvent for flavourings.

Why it's marked “Depends on the source”

The acetic part raises no question, but the glycerol part can come from animal fat, plant oil or petrochemicals, and the finished triacetin is the same either way. The label does not say which source was used.

Where views differ

Some scholars accept glycerol made from non-halal animal fat because processing turns the fat into a new substance. Others do not accept this kind of change and want a plant or synthetic source, or fat from halal-slaughtered animals.

How to check the label

Look for “vegetable origin”, a vegan mark or a halal certificate from a recognised body. For flavourings and chewing gum, ask the manufacturer about the glycerol source if the label gives no detail.

Where you'll find it

• chewing gum
• food flavourings
• sweets
• baked goods
• frozen desserts

Good to know

• JECFA lists triacetin as a humectant, solvent and flavouring agent, with an acceptable daily intake of “not specified”.
• US rules describe two production routes: heating glycerin with acetic anhydride, or a synthetic route starting from allyl acetate and acetic acid.

Similar additives

• E422 Glycerol (glycerin) Depends on the source
• E570 Fatty acids (stearic acid) Depends on the source
• E420 Sorbitol Generally halal
• E551 Silicon dioxide Generally halal
• E901 Beeswax Generally halal
• E967 Xylitol Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. JECFA evaluation of triacetin (INCHEM)
2. US 21 CFR 184.1901, triacetin
3. EU additive specifications, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 (E 1518)

Frequently asked questions