Glycolipids
E246 is a safe, natural additive used primarily as an emulsifier.
- Category
- Emulsifiers
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Glycolipids (E246) are natural emulsifiers and preservatives used in the food industry. They consist of a carbohydrate attached to a lipid.
How it is used in food
E246 glycolipids are long-chain glycolipids produced by fermentation of the fungus Dacryopinax spathularia, authorised as a preservative rather than a texturiser. They are effective against yeasts, moulds and some bacteria in beverages, are active at low levels and at the acidic pH of soft drinks, and give producers a fermentation-derived alternative to benzoates and sorbates. Their amphiphilic structure does also give them surface activity, so they can help stabilise dispersions.
Commonly found in- Beverages
- Sauces
- Emulsions
Health and safety
Generally considered safe with no major health concerns reported.
EFSA's 2019 scientific opinion on glycolipids as a food additive found no safety concern at the proposed uses and levels in beverages, and the substance was subsequently added to the EU authorised list as E 246; it also holds GRAS status in the United States for beverage use. Because it is a recent and narrowly permitted addition, it appears in far fewer products than its E-number position among the older preservatives might suggest.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E246
Worth knowing
The producing organism is an edible jelly fungus eaten in parts of Asia, and the same compounds are what protect the fungus itself from microbial competition — a rare case of a preservative borrowed directly from another organism's own chemical defences.
Conclusion
E246 is a safe, natural additive used primarily as an emulsifier.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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