Carbonates (E501, E503, E504): Halal or Haram?
Halal
Alkaline mineral salts that raise dough, regulate acidity and stop powders clumping. Sodium carbonate (E500) has its own entry.
E501 Potassium carbonates
Alkaline salts that raise dough and soften water.
Why it is Halal. Mineral salts, manufactured without any animal step.
Where you meet it. Gingerbread, noodles, cocoa processing.
E503 Ammonium carbonates
The traditional baker's ammonia for flat biscuits.
Why it is Halal. Manufactured from ammonia and carbon dioxide.
Where you meet it. Biscuits, crackers, flat baked goods.
E504 Magnesium carbonates
An anticaking and alkalising mineral salt.
Why it is Halal. Mined as magnesite or precipitated chemically.
Where you meet it. Powdered foods, table salt, cocoa.
What to do in the shop
Nothing special to do for E501 itself. Read the rest of the list: a product is only as clear as its least clear ingredient.
Questions people ask
Is E501 Halal?
E501 (Potassium carbonates): Halal. Mineral salts, manufactured without any animal step.
Is E503 Halal?
E503 (Ammonium carbonates): Halal. Manufactured from ammonia and carbon dioxide.
Is E504 Halal?
E504 (Magnesium carbonates): Halal. Mined as magnesite or precipitated chemically.
Products we checked that contain carbonates (E501, E503, E504)
- Ahoj-Brause Super Bär 125 g · Mushbooh
- Lambertz Aachener Kräuter-Printinchen 150 g · Mushbooh
- Lambertz Nürnberger Lebkuchen Tradition 500 g · Mushbooh
Related additives
Check a product, not just a number
An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.