Is E407 (Carrageenan) Halal?
Generally halal
E407 (Carrageenan) is a gelling and thickening agent extracted from red seaweed — a plant source — so it is generally considered halal.
What is E407?
Carrageenan is a family of carbohydrates extracted from certain red seaweeds. It is used to thicken, gel and stabilise foods, and is one of the common plant-based alternatives to gelatine for texture.
Extracted from red seaweed (e.g. Kappaphycus, Eucheuma, Chondrus) by alkaline treatment, then filtered and dried. No animal-derived material.
Why is it generally halal?
Because carrageenan comes from seaweed and no animal-derived processing material is normally involved, it is generally classified as halal. As always, 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.
- Dairy and plant-based milks
- Ice cream and desserts
- Jellies and processed meats (as a binder)
- Sauces and dressings
How it appears on labels
CarrageenanE407Thickener (E407)Irish mossINS number: 407
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.
Health & regulatory information
Halal does not automatically mean healthy, and a health concern does not automatically make an ingredient haram.
Health & safety
Halal does not automatically mean healthy. Carrageenan is a permitted food additive; some debate exists about digestive effects of certain forms, which is a food-safety topic evaluated by regulators and separate from halal status.
Frequently asked questions
Is E407 (carrageenan) halal?
Yes — it is extracted from red seaweed, a plant source, so it is generally considered halal. The finished product still needs its own verification.
Is carrageenan the same as gelatine?
No. Gelatine is animal-derived; carrageenan is a plant (seaweed) gelling agent and is often used as a halal alternative.
What names should I look for?
'Carrageenan', 'E407' or 'Irish moss'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of carrageenan (E 407) as a food additive — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Seaweed (plant) origin and uses
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · INS 407 and approved uses
- 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.