Is E477 Vegan? Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids
E477 (Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids) may or may not be vegan — it depends on the source used by the manufacturer.
Why is E477 check source?
Propylene Glycol Esters 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 E477 vegetarian?
E477 is possibly vegetarian — check the source.
What should vegans do about E477?
Contact the manufacturer directly, or look for a certified vegan logo to be certain.
Reading the label for E477
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 “E477” or “Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids”, no qualifier | Uncertain — source unstated. A strict vegan may want to avoid or contact the manufacturer. |
| “Of vegetable origin” or “vegetable propylene glycol esters 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 E477
Vegan Ingredient Guide
Spot hidden animal-derived E-numbers including E477 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.
E477 vegan FAQs
Is E477 vegan?
E477 source varies: plant or animal fat. Cannot be confirmed vegan without manufacturer verification.
Is E477 always non-vegan?
Not always — E477 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 E477 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 E477.
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.