Is E472c Vegan? Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides
E472c (Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides) may or may not be vegan — it depends on the source used by the manufacturer.
Why is E472c check source?
Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides can be made from either plant or animal sources (plant or animal fat). The label will not tell you which was used.
Is E472c vegetarian?
E472c is possibly vegetarian — check the source.
What should vegans do about E472c?
Contact the manufacturer directly, or look for a certified vegan logo to be certain.
Reading the label for E472c
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 “E472c” or “Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides”, no qualifier | Uncertain — source unstated. A strict vegan may want to avoid or contact the manufacturer. |
| “Of vegetable origin” or “vegetable citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides” | 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 E472c
Vegan Ingredient Guide
Spot hidden animal-derived E-numbers including E472c 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.
E472c vegan FAQs
Is E472c vegan?
E472c source varies: plant or animal fat. Cannot be confirmed vegan without manufacturer verification.
Is E472c always non-vegan?
Not always — E472c 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 E472c 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 E472c.
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.