E-number database
Polyglycerol esters vs PGPR (E475, E476)
E475 polyglycerol esters of fatty acids inherit a fat-source question. E476 PGPR is typically castor-oil based and is the chocolate-flow cousin, not the same ruling shortcut.
- E475 INS 475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids Source-dependent Halal if verified E475 (INS 475) is polyglycerol esterified with fatty acids. Glycerol may be plant, synthetic or animal, and so may the fatty acids. plantHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified
- E476 INS 476 Polyglycerol polyricinoleate Source-dependent Halal if verified Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E476, PGPR) is a chocolate emulsifier whose fatty-acid side is ricinoleic acid from castor oil—a plant. plantHalal animalHalal if verified
How they differ
E475 (polyglycerol esters of fatty acids) is an emulsifier in cake mixes, whipped toppings and margarines. E476, polyglycerol polyricinoleate or PGPR, sounds similar but does a different job: it thins melted chocolate so less cocoa butter is needed, which is why it is on so many chocolate bar labels.
Both are built on polyglycerol, which can be plant, synthetic or animal glycerol. E475's fatty acids may be vegetable or tallow, so it is Halal if verified. E476's fatty acid is ricinoleic acid from castor oil, a plant, so the only remaining question is the glycerol; most supply is vegetable, and it stays Halal if verified until a pack or supplier says so.
On the label
- “PGPR” and “emulsifier (E476)” on chocolate are the same thing.
- Chocolate often pairs E476 with lecithin (E322) or E442; check each.
- E475 in cake mixes sits next to E471 and E472; they share the fat question.
Frequently asked questions
Is PGPR (E476) Halal?
Its fatty acid is from castor oil, a plant. The polyglycerol is usually vegetable too, but the label does not say, so it is Halal if verified.
Are E475 and E476 the same?
No. Both use polyglycerol, but E475 carries ordinary fatty acids while E476 carries castor-oil acid.