L-Ascorbyl Palmitate
A safe and effective antioxidant that also provides a source of Vitamin C.
- Category
- Antioxidants
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
L-Ascorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of Vitamin C used as an antioxidant to prevent oils and fats from going rancid.
How it is used in food
L-Ascorbyl palmitate is vitamin C esterified to a fatty acid, which makes it oil-soluble and therefore able to work inside the fat phase where oxidation actually begins. It protects vegetable oils, fried snacks, infant formula and vitamin premixes from rancidity, and it strongly regenerates tocopherols, so vitamin E and ascorbyl palmitate together outperform either alone.
Commonly found in- Infant formula
- Vegetable oils
- Baked goods
Health and safety
Metabolized harmlessly into Vitamin C and palmitic acid by the body.
EFSA's re-evaluation of E 304(i) and E 304(ii) concluded there was no safety concern at reported use levels and that no numerical ADI was needed, because the ester is hydrolysed in the gut to ascorbic acid and palmitic acid — both normal dietary constituents.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (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
- E304(i)
Worth knowing
It is one of the few antioxidants that behaves as an amphiphile, sitting at the oil-water interface of an emulsion droplet — the exact spot where the free-radical chain reactions that cause rancid off-flavours start.
Conclusion
A safe and effective antioxidant that also provides a source of Vitamin C.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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