Foods Containing E472a (Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides)
E472a (Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides) is based on mono- and diglycerides, whose fats can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, 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 E472a
E472a 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 E472a is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E472a" or as "Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides".
How to spot E472a 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: E472a" or "emulsifiers: acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E472a?
E472a is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E472a.
Full guide to E472a: safety, vegan and halal status →
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Want to avoid E472a?
Additive-free eating
Cookbooks and guides for cooking without additives.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).