← Ingredient & E-number explorer

Typical source

Citrus peel, apple pomace

Plain-language explanation

E440, commonly known as pectin, is a natural carbohydrate fiber that acts as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer in foods like jams, jellies, and fruit preserves. It is primarily extracted from the peel and pulp of citrus fruits or from apple pomace, making it a completely plant-based ingredient. Because it originates entirely from fruit sources, pectin is universally considered halal by all major certification bodies, including JAKIM, MUI, MUIS, ESMA, and HFA. While pectin can occasionally be produced using fungal cultures in a lab, this microbial source is also halal as long as non-halal substrates are not used in the fermentation process. Therefore, Muslim consumers can generally consume products containing E440 with confidence.