Is E304 (Ascorbyl palmitate) Halal?
Doubtful — depends on source
E304 (Ascorbyl palmitate) is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C whose palmitic-acid part can be plant- or animal-derived — so it is treated as doubtful (mushbooh) unless the source is known.
What is E304?
Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble antioxidant made by joining vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to palmitic acid. It protects oils and fats in food from going rancid.
Ascorbic acid is esterified with palmitic acid. The palmitic acid can come from palm or other vegetable oils, or from animal fat — the label rarely says which.
Why is it doubtful (mushbooh)?
E304's status depends on the source of its palmitic acid. When that comes from vegetable oil (commonly palm), it is halal; when it comes from animal fat, it is only permissible if the animal was halal. Because the source is usually unstated, it is treated as doubtful until confirmed. Most commercial ascorbyl palmitate uses vegetable-derived palmitic acid, but this should be verified rather than assumed.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Vegetable oils and fats
- Baked goods and cereals
- Infant formula and supplements
- Some sauces and snacks
How it appears on labels
Ascorbyl palmitateE304Antioxidant (E304)INS number: 304
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.
In Singapore, verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register. A certified product will have had the palmitic-acid source assessed; for an uncertified product, contact the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E304 (ascorbyl palmitate) halal?
It is source-dependent. If the palmitic acid is from vegetable oil it is halal; if from animal fat it is permissible only if the animal was halal. Since the source is usually unstated, treat it as doubtful and verify.
Is ascorbyl palmitate vegetarian?
It can be — many commercial versions use plant-derived palmitic acid. Look for a 'suitable for vegetarians' claim or halal certification to be sure.
What names should I look for?
'Ascorbyl palmitate' or 'E304'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of ascorbyl palmitate (E 304) as a food additive — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Palmitic-acid source can be plant or animal
- 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.