Depends on the source
- Usually made from
- Animal or plant fats
- Used as
- emulsifier
- Vegan
- Depends on the source
Plant-based versions are common. Look for “vegetable origin” or a halal certificate.
What is E477?
Propylene glycol esters are emulsifiers made by combining propylene glycol, a food-grade compound usually made synthetically, with fatty acids. They are produced by transesterifying natural or hydrogenated fats and oils with propylene glycol, or by reacting it directly with fatty acids, giving a mix of mono- and diesters.
Why it's marked “Depends on the source”
Propylene glycol itself raises no halal question. The fatty acids, however, come from food fats and oils, which can be plant or animal. The EU specification does not limit the fat to vegetable sources, so the label alone cannot tell you.
How to check the label
Look for “vegetable origin” or a halal certificate. E477 is less common than E471, so if a product lists it without either, asking the manufacturer is the most reliable step.
Where you'll find it
- cakes and sponges
- whipped toppings
- ice cream
- desserts
- chewing gum
Good to know
- In 2018 EFSA confirmed an ADI of 25 mg per kg body weight per day, expressed as propylene glycol, which equals about 80 mg/kg of E477 itself.
- In EU product data, E477 appeared most often in bakery products, desserts and ice cream, including plant-based ice cream.
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 propane-1,2-diol esters E477 (2018)
- EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
Frequently asked questions
Is E477 halal?
Depends on the source. Propylene glycol itself raises no halal question. The fatty acids, however, come from food fats and oils, which can be plant or animal. The EU specification does not limit the fat to vegetable sources, so the label alone cannot tell you.
What is E477 made from?
Propylene glycol esters are emulsifiers made by combining propylene glycol, a food-grade compound usually made synthetically, with fatty acids. They are produced by transesterifying natural or hydrogenated fats and oils with propylene glycol, or by reacting it directly with fatty acids, giving a mix of mono- and diesters.
Is E477 vegan?
It depends on the source. E477 can be made from plant or animal material, so look for a vegan or vegetarian label.