A viral claim has been making rounds on social media that LAYS chips contain E631, which is allegedly derived from pig fat. The claim has sparked concern among certain religious groups and health-conscious individuals. But how true is this?
Let’s break it down. 🔍
📦 What is E631?
E631 is the food additive known as Disodium Inosinate. It’s used as a flavour enhancer and is commonly found in savory snacks, instant noodles, chips, and soups.
❓ Is E631 Made from Pig Fat?
Technically, E631 can be derived from three different sources:
- Animal sources (including pig fat in rare cases)
- Fish (common in some countries)
- Plant-based fermentation (most commonly used for vegetarian-friendly snacks)
BUT HERE’S THE FACT:
Most major food companies, including Lays (PepsiCo), use plant-based or synthetic E631, especially in countries where religious dietary restrictions apply.
✅ What Does PepsiCo Say?
In India, Middle East, and many Muslim-majority countries, PepsiCo has officially clarified that:
Lays does not use animal-based E631. The ingredient is vegetarian and complies with local regulations.
You can find these statements directly from:
- PepsiCo’s official website
- Customer service replies
- Product packaging (most have the green/veg dot in India for example)
🔍 How to Check Yourself:
- Look for the vegetarian/halal symbol on the pack.
- Visit the official website of the product in your country.
- Email the brand’s customer service — they often respond within 48h.
❌ The Verdict:
The claim that “LAYS chips contain pig fat” due to E631 is misleading.
In most countries, especially where pork is restricted for religious reasons, Lays uses a vegetarian-safe version of E631.
🧠 Bottom Line:
Not everything that goes viral is true.
Always cross-check food ingredients with the brand or food safety authorities before jumping to conclusions.
Senior News Analyst & National Affairs Writer
Prabhat Sharma is a veteran journalist with over 12 years of experience covering national news, current affairs, and breaking stories across India. Known for his analytical approach and in-depth reporting, Prabhat brings clarity to complex topics and delivers content that informs, educates, and empowers readers.
He is passionate about political transparency, policy analysis, and the evolving landscape of Indian journalism.
When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading non-fiction, watching documentaries, or exploring offbeat destinations
