🧪eNumbers.orgSearch Additives

Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (E471) — What You Need to Know

Caution(6/10)Synthetic

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids?

Mono- and diglycerides are among the most widely used emulsifiers in the food industry. They are derived from glycerol and fatty acids, which can come from plant (soy, canola, sunflower) or animal (lard, tallow) sources. While they are technically a byproduct of fat hydrolysis and can occur naturally in small amounts in foods, the commercial form is manufactured. The animal-derived versions make them potentially non-vegan.

What Is It Used For?

Help mix water and oil-based ingredients that would otherwise separate. Used in bread, margarine, ice cream, peanut butter, and many other processed foods to improve texture and extend shelf life.

Function: Emulsifier, dough conditioner

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
No ADI established — considered safe without a defined limit
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Authorized
⚠️ Key Concerns

Generally considered safe by regulatory agencies. Some concern exists because these emulsifiers contain trans fats that are not required to be listed on nutrition labels in the US (even in 'trans fat free' products). The main dietary concern is that they may contribute to small amounts of trans fat intake. Vegan and halal status is uncertain as they may be derived from animal fats — look for specifically labeled plant-derived versions.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids an editorial context label of Caution with a score of 6/10. This is 1.5 points below the database average for emulsifiers (7.5/10). Dataset reference year: 2017.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

BreadMargarineIce creamPeanut butterWhipped toppingsCake mixes
Example brands:
Wonder BreadJifCool Whip

Always check the label for E471 or 'Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids'

Frequently Asked Questions about Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS; EFSA/EU — Authorized. Reported concerns: Generally considered safe by regulatory agencies. Some concern exists because these emulsifiers contain trans fats that are not required to be listed on nutrition labels in the US (even in 'trans fat free' products). The main dietary concern is that they may contribute to small amounts of trans fat intake. Vegan and halal status is uncertain as they may be derived from animal fats — look for specifically labeled plant-derived versions. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E471
INS Number
471
Category
Emulsifiers
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
GRAS
EFSA Status
Authorized
ADI
No limit
Dataset Review
2017
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ❓ UnknownHalal: ❓ UnknownKosher: ❓ UnknownGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other emulsifiers in the same family

Lecithin (E322)