Is E470a halal?

What is E470a?

E470a covers the sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids, such as calcium stearate. They are made by reacting edible fats and oils, or fatty acids distilled from them, with mineral bases. Chemically they are food-grade soaps, used in small amounts.

Why it's marked “Depends on the source”

The mineral part is unproblematic, but the fatty acids can come from plant oils such as palm oil or from animal fats. EFSA's 2018 review noted that industry uses both, including lard and tallow. The label does not show which source was used.

How to check the label

Look for “vegetable origin” or a halal certificate. If neither is given, ask the manufacturer; names like calcium stearate or sodium stearate on the label do not reveal the source.

Where you'll find it

• bread and rolls
• cakes and pastries
• sweets
• sauces
• flavoured drinks

Good to know

• EFSA re-evaluated E470a and E470b in 2018 and found no need for a numerical ADI.
• The magnesium version, E470b (often magnesium stearate), has its own code and is common in vitamin and supplement tablets.
• EU rules require these salts to come from edible fats and oils or from distilled food fatty acids.

Similar additives

• E433 Polysorbate 80 Depends on the source
• E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids Depends on the source
• E472 Esters of mono- and diglycerides (E472a–f) Depends on the source
• E472e DATEM (diacetyl tartaric esters of mono- and diglycerides) Depends on the source
• E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids Depends on the source
• E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids Depends on the source

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 salts of fatty acids E470a and E470b (2018)
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012

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