Emulsifier, thickener or gelling agent
Is E426 (Soybean hemicellulose) halal?
Soybean hemicellulose is a water-soluble fibre extracted from soya hulls. The plant origin is not in doubt; a named certifier ruling on this specific code is.
Searchable identity only. EU specifications allow ethanol as a precipitant. That is not a class ruling, and it is not verified-halal.
The detail
UK FSA lists E426 as authorised soybean hemicellulose. Codex and EU specs describe hot-water extraction from soybean fibre, with ethanol as the allowed organic precipitant. Sister seed gums on this site (guar E412, acacia E414, konjac E425) carry cited rulings; this code does not yet. Residual ethanol and any carrier fat are separate checks.
What the sources say
E426 Soybean hemicellulose
E426 is soya-fibre polysaccharide. Plant origin is not a substitute for a named certifier page on this code.
Where you will run into it
- Sauces
- Dairy drinks
- Noodles
- Food supplements
How to check it yourself
A vegan or recognised halal mark on the finished food settles more than the E-number. Ask whether ethanol remains, and whether any fat carrier was used.
Quick facts
| E-number | E426 |
|---|---|
| Name | Soybean hemicellulose |
| Also on labels as | E426, soya hemicellulose, soybean polysaccharide, soy fibre gum |
| Additive class | Emulsifier, thickener or gelling agent |
| Classification | Insufficient evidence |
| Last verified | 2026-09-16 |
Common questions
Is E426 (Soybean hemicellulose) halal?
Soybean hemicellulose is classified as Insufficient evidence. Searchable identity only. EU specifications allow ethanol as a precipitant. That is not a class ruling, and it is not verified-halal.
Is Soybean hemicellulose halal or haram?
On the evidence cited on this page, Soybean hemicellulose is insufficient evidence. Not enough reliable source evidence to classify Every position is attributed to a named certifier or scholarly body with a link, so you can verify it directly.
What else is Soybean hemicellulose called on ingredient labels?
It can appear as: E426, soya hemicellulose, soybean polysaccharide, soy fibre gum.
Where does this page's information come from?
Every position on this page is attributed to a named certifier or scholarly body with a direct link, listed under 'What the sources say'. Muttoo aggregates and cites; it does not issue rulings.
Related lookups
Record e426-soybean-hemicellulose · last verified 2026-09-16 · report an error