Foods Containing E472b (Lactic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides)
E472b (Lactic 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 E472b
E472b 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 E472b is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E472b" or as "Lactic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides".
How to spot E472b 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: E472b" or "emulsifiers: lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Lactic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E472b?
E472b 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 E472b.
Full guide to E472b: 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 E472b?
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).