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Typical source

Stearic acid (plant or animal)

Plain-language explanation

Sorbitan monostearate is a synthetic emulsifier made by reacting sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, with stearic acid, a fatty acid. Its halal status depends entirely on the source of the stearic acid; if derived from plant fats or beef tallow from a halal-slaughtered animal, it is considered halal. However, if the stearic acid comes from pork or non-halal slaughtered animals, it is haram. Therefore, you must look for a specific halal certification on the product to be certain it is permissible.