E471

Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

Emulsifier in Bread, Cakes & Ice Cream

What is E471?

E471 is mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, an emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in food products.

What are mono- and diglycerides?

• Natural fats are triglycerides (3 fatty acids attached to glycerol)
• Digestion breaks down triglycerides into mono- (1 fatty acid) and diglycerides (2 fatty acids)
• E471 mimics this natural breakdown – it's essentially "pre-digested fat"
• Your body produces these naturally when digesting fats

How it's made:

• Start with fats/oils (from plants like soy, palm, rapeseed OR animals like beef, pork)
• React with glycerol under heat and pressure
• Result: mono- and diglycerides (same compounds your intestines produce)

Why it's used:

• Emulsification – binds water and fat together (prevents separation)
• Improves texture – makes bread softer, cakes fluffier, ice cream creamier
• Extends shelf life – prevents staleness in bread
• Stabilizes mixtures – keeps ingredients evenly distributed
• Anti-staling agent – keeps baked goods fresh longer

Where is E471 Found?

E471 is extremely common – one of the most widely used emulsifiers:

Bread & Baked Goods (Most Common):

• Sliced bread – almost all commercial bread contains E471
• Bread rolls and baps
• Cakes and muffins – improves moisture retention
• Croissants and pastries
• Biscuits and cookies
• Doughnuts

Spreads & Dairy:

• Margarine – stabilizes water-oil emulsion
• Low-fat spreads
• Ice cream – prevents ice crystal formation, improves creaminess
• Whipped cream
• Processed cheese

Other Foods:

• Chocolate – improves texture
• Mayonnaise and salad dressings
• Peanut butter – prevents oil separation
• Desserts and puddings
• Instant soups and sauces

Is E471 Halal?

This is the most common question about E471. The answer: it depends on the source.

Sources of E471:

• Plant-based (soy, palm, sunflower, rapeseed) – Halal and vegan
• Animal-based (beef tallow, lard from pork) – May not be halal

Why It's Confusing:

• Labels don't specify source – "E471" doesn't tell you if it's plant or animal
• Manufacturers may switch sources based on cost/availability
• Same product might be halal in one country, not in another

How to Know if E471 is Halal:

• Look for "Halal Certified" logo on packaging
• Check for "Suitable for Vegetarians" – guarantees plant-based
• Contact manufacturer directly to ask about E471 source
• Organic products often use plant-based E471 (check label)

UK Note: Most UK supermarkets now label products as "Suitable for Vegetarians" if E471 is plant-based, making it easier to identify halal options.

Is E471 Vegan?

Same issue as halal: E471 can be plant or animal-derived.

How to Know if E471 is Vegan:

• "Suitable for Vegans" or "Suitable for Vegetarians" on label = plant-based
• Vegan Society logo = certified vegan
• No certification? Assume it may contain animal products and contact manufacturer

Health Concerns and Side Effects

E471 has an excellent safety record with minimal health concerns:

1. Generally Safe

• Similar to natural digestion products – your body produces mono- and diglycerides when digesting fats
• Metabolized like normal fats – absorbed and used for energy
• No toxic effects at typical consumption levels
• Decades of safe use with no serious health issues reported

2. Trans Fats Concern (Minimal)

E471 can contain trace amounts of trans fats (typically <1%):

• Trans fats are created during processing (heating oils)
• Amount is very small – far less than partially hydrogenated oils
• Not a significant source of trans fats in diet
• EU regulations limit trans fats in all foods (including E471)

3. Allergic Reactions (Extremely Rare)

• Very rare reports of allergic reactions
• If allergic to the source fat (e.g., soy), may react to soy-derived E471
• Most people tolerate E471 without issue

4. Digestive Issues (Very Rare)

• Some people report mild digestive upset (bloating, gas)
• Extremely rare and not scientifically confirmed
• May be related to overall fat intake, not E471 specifically

Regulatory Status

E471 is approved worldwide with no restrictions:

United Kingdom & European Union

• Approved for unlimited use
• No ADI limit – considered safe at any level
• EFSA verdict: No safety concerns
• Must be labelled as "E471" or "Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids"

United States

• FDA: "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS)
• No usage restrictions
• One of the most common emulsifiers in US foods

Halal & Kosher Certification

• Many manufacturers seek halal/kosher certification due to consumer demand
• Certified products must use plant-based or properly slaughtered halal/kosher animal sources

E471 vs. E472 (What's the Difference?)

E471 and E472 are similar but different:

E471 (Mono- and Diglycerides):

• Just glycerol + fatty acids
• Simple emulsifier
• Most common

E472a-f (Modified Mono- and Diglycerides):

• E471 + additional organic acids (acetic, lactic, citric, etc.)
• More specialized functions
• Still generally safe

Both are safe, but E471 is more widely used.

Why Bread Contains E471

E471 is in nearly all commercial bread. Here's why:

What E471 Does in Bread:

• Softer texture – makes bread fluffier and more pleasant to eat
• Prevents staling – bread stays fresh longer (retains moisture)
• Better crumb structure – creates more uniform air pockets
• Improves dough handling – easier for commercial baking
• Extends shelf life – up to 50% longer freshness

Can You Make Bread Without E471?

Yes! Traditional bread recipes don't need emulsifiers:

• Artisan/sourdough bread – flour, water, salt, yeast (no E471)
• Homemade bread – perfectly fine without E471
• Some premium shop-bought breads – check labels for "4 ingredients" or "traditional recipe"

Trade-off: Bread without E471 goes stale faster (1-2 days vs. 5-7 days).

The Bottom Line

Key takeaways:

• ✅ Generally safe – similar to natural digestion products
• ✅ No ADI limit – regulators consider it safe at any level
• ✅ Extensively studied – decades of research show no health concerns
• ✅ Metabolized like normal fats – body treats it as food
• ⚠️ Source matters for halal/vegan – may be plant or animal-derived
• ⚠️ Check labels – "Suitable for Vegetarians" or "Halal Certified" indicates acceptable sources
• ✅ Found in bread, cakes, ice cream – extremely common
• ✅ Trace trans fats – minimal amounts, not a significant dietary source

Our recommendation: E471 is safe for most people. If you have religious or dietary restrictions (halal, kosher, vegan), look for certified products or contact manufacturers to confirm the source.

Last updated: February 2026