Fatty Acids and Salts (Stearic Acid)

Fatty-acid-based additives that can be sourced from animal fat or vegetable oil.

Why?

Fatty acids such as stearic acid, and their sodium, potassium, or calcium salts, are used as anti-caking, coating, and stabilizing agents in candies, tablets, and baked goods. The fatty acid feedstock can come from tallow (animal fat) or from palm, soy, or coconut oil, and manufacturers rarely specify which on the label.

Good to know

Treated as mushbooh by default absent a plant-source or 'vegetable-derived' claim, consistent with how this glossary treats E471.

References

• General consensus of major halal certification bodies (e.g. IFANCA, JAKIM, HFA)

Last reviewed: 2026-08-30

This is informational guidance only, not a certified halal determination. Always consult an official halal certification body for certainty.