Is agar (E406) halal?

What is E406?

Agar is a gelling substance taken from red seaweeds, mainly of the Gelidium and Gracilaria groups. The seaweed is boiled in water, sometimes after an alkali treatment, and the extract is filtered and allowed to set. The gel is then frozen and thawed to remove water, dried and milled.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Agar is made only from seaweed using hot water and simple mineral treatments, so there is no animal or alcohol link. Because it sets firmly, much like gelatin, it is often used in place of gelatin in desserts and sweets meant to be halal or vegetarian.

How to check the label

No special check is needed for agar itself. It may be labelled as E406, agar or agar-agar. If a dessert also lists gelatine, check the gelatine separately.

Where you'll find it

• chilled desserts
• flavoured yoghurts
• ice cream
• chocolate confectionery
• cakes

Good to know

• EFSA re-evaluated agar in 2016 and found no need for a numerical ADI.
• In the EU, agar may not be used in jelly mini-cups because of the risk of choking.
• Agar can swell to more than five times its volume in water, and in large amounts it acts as a mild laxative.

Similar additives

• E401 Sodium alginate Generally halal
• E407 Carrageenan Generally halal
• E410 Locust bean gum (carob) Generally halal
• E412 Guar gum Generally halal
• E415 Xanthan gum Generally halal
• E440 Pectin 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. EFSA re-evaluation of agar E406 (2016)
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012

Frequently asked questions