What is E493?
E493 is Sorbitan Monolaurate — made from sorbitol and lauric acid, which 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 E493 (Sorbitan Monolaurate)?
E493 is the E-number for sorbitan monolaurate, 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 sorbitol and lauric acid, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Like every E-number, E493 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 E493 in detail below.
Where is E493 found?
E493 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 (E493) or by its full name, sorbitan monolaurate. Common foods that may contain E493 include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E493 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E493 safe?
E493 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 E493.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E493 vegan?
E493 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from sorbitol and lauric acid, which 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 E493 →Is E493 halal?
E493 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from sorbitol and lauric acid, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E493 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E493 in food?
E493 is Sorbitan Monolaurate — made from sorbitol and lauric acid, which 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 E493 safe to eat?
Yes. E493 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E493 vegan?
E493 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from sorbitol and lauric acid, which 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 E493 halal?
E493 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from sorbitol and lauric acid, which 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
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).