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Doubtful — depends on source
E160a (Beta-carotene) is a yellow-orange colour that is itself plant or synthetic (halal), but it is often stabilised in a gelatine carrier — so it is treated as doubtful unless the carrier is confirmed gelatine-free.
Beta-carotene is a yellow-to-orange colour (and a source of vitamin A) found naturally in carrots and other plants; it is also made synthetically. The colour itself is not the issue — the doubt is that it is frequently formulated with a carrier or coating to make it usable in food, and that carrier is sometimes gelatine.
Extracted from plants/algae or synthesised, then often encapsulated with a carrier (starch, gum or gelatine) to stabilise it. The carrier is not usually stated on the label.
Beta-carotene as a colour is plant- or synthetically-derived and would be halal, but it is treated as doubtful because it is commonly delivered in a carrier that can be gelatine (of unspecified animal origin). Gelatine-free versions — for example starch- or gum-encapsulated — are halal. Confirm the carrier.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
Beta-caroteneCarotenesE160aColour (E160a)INS number: 160a
In Singapore, verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or contact the manufacturer to confirm the carrier is gelatine-free.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
The colour itself is plant or synthetic (halal), but it is often carried in gelatine, which is why it is treated as doubtful. Gelatine-free versions are halal — confirm the carrier.
The colour is from plants or synthesis, not animals. The concern is the carrier used to stabilise it, which can be gelatine.
'Beta-carotene', 'Carotenes' or 'E160a' — ideally with a vegetarian/vegan or gelatine-free indication.
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.