Foods Containing E471 (Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids)
E471 (Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids) is the most common emulsifier in food — made from fats that can be plant or animal in origin, so vegans and halal consumers must check. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E471
E471 is used across bread, margarine, chocolate, ice cream, cakes and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Sliced bread
- Margarine and spreads
- Ice cream
- Biscuits and cakes
- Crisps
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E471 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E471" or as "Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids".
How to spot E471 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: E471" or "emulsifiers: mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E471?
E471 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 E471 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E471: 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).