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Doubtful — depends on source
E153 (Vegetable carbon) is a black colour from charred plant matter and is halal when plant-sourced — but because 'carbon black' can also be made from animal bone char, it is treated as doubtful unless confirmed vegetable.
Vegetable carbon is a black food colouring made by charring plant material such as wood or coconut shells. As specified in the EU, food-grade E153 is vegetable-derived, but the general term 'carbon black' can also refer to bone char.
Plant material is charred (carbonised) under controlled conditions and purified. The EU specification for E153 is vegetable carbon; some non-EU 'carbon black' may be of different origin.
When E153 is genuinely vegetable carbon, it is halal (plant-derived). It is treated as doubtful because the wider term 'carbon black' can also be animal bone char, which would only be permissible if from a halal animal. Confirm the product uses vegetable-sourced carbon.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
Vegetable carbonE153Carbon blackColour (E153)INS number: 153
In Singapore, verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or contact the manufacturer to confirm the carbon is vegetable-sourced.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
When it is genuinely vegetable carbon it is halal. It is treated as doubtful because 'carbon black' can also mean animal bone char — confirm the source is plant.
E153 as specified is from charred plant matter, but the broader term 'carbon black' can be bone char. Verify the specific source.
'Vegetable carbon' or 'E153' — ideally stated as vegetable-sourced.
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.