Sorbitan monooleate
Generally safe. May contain animal fats unless specified vegan.
- Category
- Emulsifiers
- Vegan
- maybe
- Vegetarian
- maybe
What it is
A synthetic emulsifier used to keep oil and water mixed in foods and cosmetics.
How it is used in food
Sorbitan monooleate is a water-in-oil emulsifier that controls fat crystallisation, so it prevents fat bloom on chocolate and compound coatings, keeps margarine and spreads smooth, and stabilises whipped toppings, emulsified sauces and cake emulsions.
Commonly found in- Fine bakery wares
- Marmalades
- Desserts
Health and safety
Safe at permitted levels, though high doses can cause digestive upset.
EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation of the sorbitan esters (E 491–E 495) found no safety concern at reported use levels and retained a group ADI of 5 mg/kg body weight per day. Digestion yields sorbitol and oleic acid; intakes well above permitted levels can cause loose stools, in line with the sorbitol released. The oleic acid may be plant- or animal-sourced.
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
- E494
Worth knowing
It is the parent molecule of Polysorbate 80 (E 433): attaching polyoxyethylene chains to the same sorbitan-oleate core flips it from oil-loving to water-loving, so two closely related substances end up doing opposite jobs in the emulsifier toolkit.
Conclusion
Generally safe. May contain animal fats unless specified vegan.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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