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Typical source

Vegetable oils or animal fat

Plain-language explanation

E471, or mono- and diglycerides, are fats used as emulsifiers to blend ingredients like oil and water in processed foods. They are typically derived from vegetable oils, but can also come from animal fats, including pork. If from a plant source, E471 is considered halal by all major certification bodies; however, if from an animal source, it is only halal if the animal was slaughtered according to Islamic law. Because the source is not always listed on the packaging, consumers should look for a certified halal label to be certain.