Sorbitan monostearate
Emulsifier, acceptable at typical doses.
- Category
- Emulsifiers
- Acceptable daily intake
- 26 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- maybe
- Vegetarian
- maybe
What it is
A synthetic emulsifier used primarily to manage how fats behave during heating and cooling.
How it is used in food
In chocolate, it prevents "fat bloom" — that unappealing white powdery coating that forms when chocolate is poorly stored.
Commonly found in- Chocolate
- Baking yeast
- Cake mixes
- Margarine
Health and safety
Safe at typical dietary levels, with EFSA establishing clear Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs) based on extensive safety data.
Evaluated by EFSA and confirmed safe for use in food at authorized levels.
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
- E491
Worth knowing
Sorbitan monostearate (E491) is also known as "Span 60" in industrial chemistry applications.
Conclusion
This synthetic emulsifier presents a bounded risk and only becomes an issue if consumed in excessive amounts. While EFSA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake, the small quantities used to stop fat bloom in chocolate or to stabilise baking yeast mean it is highly unlikely to cause problems in a normal diet.
References
- EFSA evaluation of E491 — EFSA
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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