What is E494?
E494 is Sorbitan Monooleate — made from sorbitol and oleic 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 E494 (Sorbitan Monooleate)?
E494 is the E-number for sorbitan monooleate, 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 oleic acid, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Like every E-number, E494 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 E494 in detail below.
Where is E494 found?
E494 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 (E494) or by its full name, sorbitan monooleate. Common foods that may contain E494 include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E494 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E494 safe?
E494 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 E494.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E494 vegan?
E494 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from sorbitol and oleic 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 E494 →Is E494 halal?
E494 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from sorbitol and oleic 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 E494 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E494 in food?
E494 is Sorbitan Monooleate — made from sorbitol and oleic 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 E494 safe to eat?
Yes. E494 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E494 vegan?
E494 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from sorbitol and oleic 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 E494 halal?
E494 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from sorbitol and oleic 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).