Is E211 (Sodium benzoate) Halal?
Generally halal
E211 (Sodium benzoate) is a synthetically-manufactured preservative with no animal origin, so it is generally considered halal.
What is E211?
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, a common preservative that inhibits mould, yeast and some bacteria, especially in acidic foods and drinks. It is manufactured synthetically.
Produced by neutralising benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. No animal-derived raw materials.
Why is it generally halal?
Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative with no animal or alcohol component, so it is generally classified as halal. The finished product still needs its own verification.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Soft drinks and juices
- Pickles and sauces
- Condiments and dressings
- Some medicines
How it appears on labels
Sodium benzoateE211Preservative (E211)INS number: 211
How to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
Ingredient guidance is not certification. Verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or with the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E211 (sodium benzoate) halal?
Yes — it is a synthetic preservative with no animal origin, so it is generally considered halal. The finished product still needs verification.
Is sodium benzoate from animals?
No. It is manufactured synthetically.
What names should I look for?
'Sodium benzoate' or 'E211'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates (E 210-213) as food additives — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Synthetic origin
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Approved uses and INS number
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Singapore halal verification process
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.