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Generally halal
E406 (Agar) is a gelling agent extracted from seaweed — a plant source — so it is generally considered halal, and is a common halal alternative to gelatine.
Agar (agar-agar) is a firm gelling agent extracted from red seaweed. It sets more firmly than gelatine and is widely used in desserts, jellies and vegetarian cooking — a popular halal substitute for gelatine.
Extracted from red seaweed by boiling, then filtered, gelled and dried. No animal-derived material.
Agar is extracted from seaweed with no animal-derived material, so it is generally classified as halal. It is one of the main plant-based substitutes for gelatine. As always, the finished product still needs its own verification.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
AgarAgar-agarE406Gelling agent (E406)INS number: 406
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.
Yes — it is extracted from seaweed (a plant) with no animal-derived material, so it is generally considered halal. It is a common halal alternative to gelatine.
No. Gelatine is animal-derived; agar is a plant (seaweed) gelling agent widely used as a halal substitute.
'Agar', 'Agar-agar' or 'E406'.
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.