What is E474?
E474 is Sucroglycerides — made from sugar and fats that 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.
What is E474 (Sucroglycerides)?
E474 is the E-number for sucroglycerides, one of the emulsifiers group of food additives (E400–E499). Additives in this group help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water. Made from sugar and fats that can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Like every E-number, E474 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E474 in detail below.
Where is E474 found?
E474 is typically used in bread, margarine, chocolate, ice cream, cakes and processed foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E474) or by its full name, sucroglycerides. Common foods that may contain E474 include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E474 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E474 safe?
E474 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 E474.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E474 vegan?
E474 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from sugar and fats that can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E474 →Is E474 halal?
E474 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from sugar and fats that can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E474 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E474 in food?
E474 is Sucroglycerides — made from sugar and fats that 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.
Is E474 safe to eat?
Yes. E474 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E474 vegan?
E474 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from sugar and fats that can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E474 halal?
E474 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from sugar and fats that can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Concerned about food additives?
Food Intolerance Test
Find out exactly which ingredients affect you with a home food intolerance test.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).