Foods Containing E432 (Polysorbate 20)
E432 (Polysorbate 20) is a synthetic emulsifier built on fatty acids that may come from plant oils (including palm) or animal fat, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E432
E432 is used across bread, margarine, chocolate, ice cream, cakes and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E432 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E432" or as "Polysorbate 20".
How to spot E432 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "emulsifiers: E432" or "emulsifiers: polysorbate 20". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Polysorbate 20" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E432?
E432 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E432 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E432: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).