← Ingredient & E-number explorer

Typical source

Plant material, historically also animal bones

Plain-language explanation

E153, also known as vegetable carbon, is a natural black food coloring produced by charring plant-based materials like wood, cellulose, or peat. Because it is derived entirely from vegetable sources, it is generally considered halal and permitted for use by the majority of major certification bodies, including JAKIM, MUI, MUIS, ESMA, and HFA. There are no animal or alcohol-based components involved in its standard production, so its halal status does not depend on the source. However, as with any ingredient, Muslim consumers should still look for a reliable halal certification label on the final product to ensure the overall manufacturing process meets strict halal standards.