What is E440?
E440 is Pectin — the natural gelling agent from fruit that makes jam set — safe, vegan and halal.
What is E440 (Pectin)?
E440 is the E-number for pectin, one of the thickeners & gelling agents group of food additives (E400–E499). Additives in this group thicken foods and create gels for the right texture. Extracted from citrus peel and apple pomace. Pectin is extracted mostly from citrus peel and apple pomace left over from juice production — it's the reason jam sets, and a fully plant-based alternative to gelatine. Like every E-number, E440 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E440 in detail below.
Where is E440 found?
E440 is typically used in sauces, soups, desserts, jams, plant milks and dairy alternatives. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E440) or by its full name, pectin. Common foods that may contain E440 include:
- Jams and marmalades
- Fruit jellies
- Yoghurts
- Confectionery
- Fruit juice drinks
Full guide: foods containing E440 and how to spot it on labels →
E440 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Pectin safe?
Is E440 safe?
E440 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E440.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E440 vegan?
E440 is vegan. Extracted from citrus peel and apple pomace, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E440 →Is E440 halal?
E440 is halal. Extracted from citrus peel and apple pomace, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E440 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E440 in food?
E440 is Pectin — the natural gelling agent from fruit that makes jam set — safe, vegan and halal.
Is E440 safe to eat?
Yes. E440 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E440 vegan?
E440 is vegan. Extracted from citrus peel and apple pomace, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E440 halal?
E440 is halal. Extracted from citrus peel and apple pomace, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).