Depends on the source
- Usually made from
- Animal fat, plant oil or synthetic
- Used as
- humectant, carrier
- Vegan
- Depends on the source
Can come from animal fat, plant oil or petrochemicals. Look for “vegetable origin” or a halal certificate.
What is E422?
Glycerol, or glycerin, is a sweet, syrupy liquid. Most of it is obtained by splitting fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol, including as a by-product of biodiesel making. It can also be made chemically from propylene, a petrochemical. It keeps foods moist and stops slush drinks freezing solid.
Why it's marked “Depends on the source”
Glycerol can come from animal fat, plant oil or petrochemicals, and the finished liquid is the same whatever the source. That is why the status depends on origin. In the EU the rules changed in 2023: food-grade E422 must now come only from vegetable oils and fats, so the doubt mainly concerns products made elsewhere.
Where views differ
Some scholars hold that turning fat into glycerol is a complete chemical change (istihalah), so the original source no longer matters. Others do not accept this for glycerol from pork or non-halal animals and require a plant, synthetic or halal-slaughtered source. A halal certificate tells you the certifier has checked the source.
How to check the label
Look for “vegetable glycerin” or “plant glycerol” on the label, or a halal certificate from a recognised body. For products made outside the EU that list only glycerin or E422, ask the manufacturer about the source.
Where you'll find it
- slush ice drinks
- ice cream
- chewing gum
- cakes and pastries
- flavoured drinks
- sauces
Good to know
- Since 2023, the EU specification (Regulation (EU) 2023/1329) states that E422 glycerol is obtained only from vegetable oils and fats, directly or via by-product glycerol from biodiesel.
- In July 2025 the UK Food Standards Agency advised no glycerol slush ice drinks for children under 7, and at most one 350 ml drink a day for ages 7 to 10.
- In 2026 EFSA set an acute reference dose of 125 mg glycerol per kg body weight for a single drink or eating occasion.
Similar additives
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
- EFSA re-evaluation of glycerol E422 (2017)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1329 (E422 specifications)
- UK Food Standards Agency: glycerol in slush ice drinks (2025)
Frequently asked questions
Is glycerin halal?
Depends on the source. Glycerol can come from animal fat, plant oil or petrochemicals, and the finished liquid is the same whatever the source. That is why the status depends on origin. In the EU the rules changed in 2023: food-grade E422 must now come only from vegetable oils and fats, so the doubt mainly concerns products made elsewhere.
What is E422 made from?
Glycerol, or glycerin, is a sweet, syrupy liquid. Most of it is obtained by splitting fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol, including as a by-product of biodiesel making. It can also be made chemically from propylene, a petrochemical. It keeps foods moist and stops slush drinks freezing solid.
Is E422 vegan?
It depends on the source. E422 can be made from plant or animal material, so look for a vegan or vegetarian label.