Is E471 Vegan? Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
E471 (Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids) may or may not be vegan — it depends on the source used by the manufacturer.
Why is E471 check source?
Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids can be made from either plant or animal sources (plant or animal fat). The label will not tell you which was used.
Is E471 vegetarian?
E471 is possibly vegetarian — check the source.
What should vegans do about E471?
Contact the manufacturer directly, or look for a certified vegan logo to be certain.
Reading the label for E471
The exact wording on the pack is the best clue you have when the source isn't stated outright:
| What the label says | What it means |
|---|---|
| Just “E471” or “Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids”, no qualifier | Uncertain — source unstated. A strict vegan may want to avoid or contact the manufacturer. |
| “Of vegetable origin” or “vegetable mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids” | Vegan-safe — plant-derived, confirmed by the wording itself. |
| Certified vegan logo on the pack | Confirmed — the manufacturer has already verified the source for you. |
| Marked Kosher Pareve | Helpful hint, not proof — pareve means no meat or dairy, which usually points away from an animal source, but isn't a vegan guarantee on its own. |
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Helpful for vegan label reading
Resources for vegans checking E-numbers like E471
Vegan Ingredient Guide
Spot hidden animal-derived E-numbers including E471 on any food label.
Vegan Label Reading
Books and pocket cards that decode E-numbers and hidden animal additives in seconds.
Certified Vegan Foods
Products with vegan certification logos — no ingredient-by-ingredient guessing.
E471 vegan FAQs
Is E471 vegan?
E471 source varies: plant or animal fat. Cannot be confirmed vegan without manufacturer verification.
Is E471 always non-vegan?
Not always — E471 can be either plant or animal-derived (plant or animal fat). Without certification, you can't tell from the label alone.
How can I tell if E471 is vegan in a specific product?
Look for a certified vegan logo (The Vegan Society, BeVeg, etc.) or contact the manufacturer to ask which source they use for E471.
Other additives to watch for vegans
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL). Vegan status reflects the most common source — always verify with manufacturer or look for certified vegan labelling.