Is Mono- and diglycerides (E471) vegan?
Depends on the brand
Depends — this emulsifier can be made from plant oils or animal fat.
Also listed as: E471, glyceryl monostearate
Why
E471 is produced from glycerol and fatty acids. Most modern supply is palm or soy derived, but tallow is still used in some regions and the label does not say which.
What to check on the label
- E471 in bread, ice cream, margarine
- Vegan certification on the pack
- Region — tallow use varies by country
Swap it for
Sunflower lecithin productsCertified vegan spreadsWhole-food alternatives
Questions people ask
Is E471 always animal?
No. Most is plant-derived today, but the code covers both sources.
What about E472?
Same ambiguity — the E472 family is built from the same fatty acids.