What is emulsifier E491?
Additive: E491 – Sorbitan monostearate. Functions: Emulsifier. Sorbitan monostearate is an ester of sorbitan -a sorbitol derivative- and stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax. It is primarily used as an emulsifier to keep water and oils mixed.
What does sorbitan monostearate do?
Sorbitan monostearate is a synthetic ester that is commonly used in the manufacture of food and health care products as a surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties. It is used in yeast manufacturing to protect the yeast from excess drying and also helps rehydrate the yeast cells.
What is emulsifier 491 made of?
Emulsifier (INS 491) is a food additive mainly used as an emulsifier that keeps water and oils mixed in food products. It is produced from sorbitol and stearic acid and exists as a yellow waxy powder. It is derived from petroleum, corn and palm oil. It also acts as a flavor enhancer in food products.
What foods contain sorbitan monostearate?
Molecular structure of sorbitan monostearate. Some of the common foods to include sorbitan monostearate are cake icing, pudding, imitation whipped cream, non-dairy creamers, yeast, and baked goods.
What is E491 in yeast?
Sorbitan monostearate (abbreviation SMS), or Span 60, is an emulsifier esterified from sorbitol and stearic acid with the European food additive number E491. This ingredient is mostly used in baking yeast by improving the activity of instant dry yeast when the yeast is rehydrated before use.
Is emulsifier safe to eat?
A recent study suggests emulsifiers – detergent-like food additives found in a variety of processed foods – have the potential to damage the intestinal barrier, leading to inflammation and increasing our risk of chronic disease.
Is sorbitan safe to eat?
Yes, it almost has no side effects and the safety has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
Is sorbitan monostearate safe?
Even when administered in doses much higher than those that would be ingested in an average diet or from a beauty regimen, sorbitan monostearate is safe for human and animal use. There is always concern about the safety of food additives, especially those that have long, complicated names.
What is rehydrating agent 491?
Re-Hydrating Agent (E491), also known as sorbitan monostearate can be made from direct esterification of sorbitol and stearic acid. It is a white to yellow waxy bead or flake with a slight characteristic smell. Considering its constituents it would be safe to say that sorbitan monostearate is likely to be vegan.
Does emulsifier 491 contain soy?
It’s extracted from soy and also sold as a food supplement in health food stores. It’s rich in B group vitamins and choline. Other common emulsifiers are sorbitan monostearate (491), mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids (471) and polysorbate 80 (433).
Does sorbitan monostearate contain gluten?
Sorbitan Monostearate is gluten free.
Is sorbitol same as sorbitan?
Sorbitan monostearate is an ester of sorbitol, also called sorbitan. That is why sorbitan monostearate is often used as an additive in the food industry and in cosmetic products.