Is pectin (E440) halal?

What is E440?

Pectin is a natural gelling fibre found in fruit. It is extracted from citrus peel, apple pomace or sugar beet pulp with hot, acidified water, then precipitated with alcohol, washed and dried. Amidated pectin (E440 ii) is pectin that has been further treated with ammonia.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Pectin is made from fruit and beet leftovers, so the source is plant-based. Alcohol is used to precipitate it, but it is washed and dried out, and EU rules set strict limits on any residue. Pectin is therefore generally regarded as halal.

How to check the label

No special check is needed for pectin itself. It may appear as E440, pectin or amidated pectin, usually in fruit-based products.

Where you'll find it

• jams and marmalades
• fruit jelly sweets
• fruit yoghurts
• bakery fillings
• fruit drinks

Good to know

• EFSA re-evaluated pectin and amidated pectin in 2017 and found no need for a numerical ADI.
• The EU specification allows only methanol, ethanol or propan-2-ol as precipitants, with total residues of no more than 1%.
• Pectin occurs naturally in fruit and is what makes homemade jam set.

Similar additives

• E410 Locust bean gum (carob) Generally halal
• E412 Guar gum Generally halal
• E466 Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) Generally halal
• E100 Curcumin Generally halal
• E153 Vegetable carbon Generally halal
• E160b Annatto 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 pectins E440 (2017)
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012

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