E-number database
Triacetin, diacetin, and glycerin
Glycerol acetates inherit glycerin’s plant-versus-animal question. Unlabeled lots are Halal if verified.
- E1517 INS 1517 Triacetin and diacetin (E1518, E1517) Source-dependent Halal if verified E1517 and E1518 are glycerol acetates used as carriers and humectants in flavours and chewing gum. The acetic part is Halal. plantHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified
- E422 INS 422 Glycerin (Glycerol, E422) Source-dependent Halal if verified Glycerin (glycerol, E422) can be plant (palm/soy/coconut), synthetic, or animal-fat derived. plantHalal syntheticHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified
How they differ
Glycerol (E422), also called glycerin, keeps foods moist and carries flavourings; triacetin (E1518) and diacetin (E1517) are glycerol joined to acetic acid, used as solvents for flavourings and in chewing gum. They appear on sweets, cake icing, energy bars, e-liquid-style flavour concentrates and many “natural flavour” carriers.
The acetic acid is Halal. Glycerol can come from palm, soy or coconut oil, from biodiesel or synthetic routes, or from animal fat when soap and tallow are processed. Most food-grade supply is vegetable, but an unmarked label does not say so, so the family is Halal if verified.
On the label
- “Humectant (glycerol)” or E422 is this family; “vegetable glycerin” settles the source.
- Triacetin is often hidden inside a “flavouring” and not listed separately.
- A vegan or Halal mark on the product covers the glycerol.
Frequently asked questions
Is glycerin Halal?
Halal when it is vegetable, synthetic or from Halal-slaughtered animals. Unmarked, it is Halal if verified.
Is triacetin Halal?
The acetic part is. Its glycerol raises the same plant-or-animal question as glycerin.