What is E473? Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids Explained

As an Amazon Associate and AWIN affiliate partner we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Disclosure ›

🟢 🟢 Safe
E473 — Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids
🌱VeganUncertain
🥚VegetarianCheck
☪️HalalMashbooh
🌴Palm OilPossible

E473 is Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids — a emulsifier (plant or animal fat) used in bread, margarine and spreads.

What is E473 (Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids)?

E473 is Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids, a food additive classified as a emulsifier that keep oil and water mixed and improve texture. A emulsifier (plant or animal fat) used in bread, margarine and spreads. You'll find it in bread, margarine and spreads, chocolate and many other packaged foods. Like every E-number, E473 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.

Where is E473 found?

E473 (Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids) is found in bread, margarine and spreads, chocolate, ice cream, salad dressings, mayonnaise.

Is E473 safe?

EFSA has reviewed E473 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids to harm at normal dietary intakes.

EFSA opinion: Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids — status Safe.

Check the calorie content of foods containing E473. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.

Cleaner alternatives to E473

grass-fed additive-free biltong

MORiSH Biltong

MORiSH Air-Dried Biltong
Looking for snacks where you know exactly what’s in them? MORiSH air-dried steak biltong is grass-fed, no added sugar, and just three ingredients.

Shop at MORiSH →
Circle DNA

Circle DNA Premium Test
Find out how your body responds to foods and additives — nutrition, sensitivities and 500+ reports from one at-home DNA test.

Circle DNA fitness & nutrition →

E473 FAQs

What is E473 in food?

E473 is Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids — a emulsifier (plant or animal fat) used in bread, margarine and spreads.

Is E473 safe to eat?

EFSA has reviewed E473 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids to harm at normal dietary intakes.

Is E473 vegan?

E473 (Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids) may or may not be vegan — it depends on the source used by the manufacturer.

Is E473 halal?

E473 (Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids) is MASHBOOH — its halal status is doubtful and depends on the source used.

Related Emulsifiers additives

Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA

Last updated: