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What is E471?

Published 29 October 2026

E471 is the code for mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. It is an emulsifier, which means it helps fat and water mix, and you'll often see it in bread, cakes, ice cream and spreads.

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It is on the FSA's list of approved additives in the UK. This guide explains what it is made of, where it shows up, and how to find food without it.

What is E471 in food?

E471 does a few jobs:

  • It helps fat and water stay mixed.
  • It helps bread and cakes stay soft for longer.
  • It makes ice cream smoother.
  • It helps spreads stay spreadable.

You'll find it in lots of packed foods. These are the most common:

  • sliced bread, rolls, wraps and crumpets
  • cakes, muffins and brioche
  • ice cream
  • spreads and margarine
  • some chocolate and desserts

What is E471 made of?

E471 is made from fats and glycerol. The fats are broken down and joined with glycerol to make new compounds. These are the "mono-" and "diglycerides" in the name.

The fat can come from plants or from animals. EFSA, the European food safety body, says this in its review of E471. Many makers use plant fats, such as palm oil or other vegetable oils.

Is E471 vegan or halal?

It can be either. It depends on the fat it was made from. Most labels don't say which.

If you need to know:

  • look for a "vegan" or "vegetarian" mark on the pack
  • look for a halal or kosher mark
  • contact the maker and ask

How is E471 shown on a label?

UK rules say each additive must be shown with what it does, then its name or E number. So you may see any of these:

  • Emulsifier: E471
  • Emulsifier (Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids)
  • Emulsifiers: E471, E472e

They all mean the same thing.

You may also see other emulsifiers nearby. E472e is a close relative of E471. E481 (sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate) and E322 (lecithins) are common in bread too.

Why do some people avoid E471?

People give different reasons. Some avoid emulsifiers in general. Some want to know the fat source for religious or diet reasons. Some just want shorter lists. Others don't mind.

We don't make claims either way. We just show what's on the label. Our rules leave out E471 and E472.

Bread without E471

Most sliced bread in UK shops has an emulsifier. These loaves don't. They are made with rye or spelt, water, salt and sometimes yeast.

Rye crispbread is another option:

See our bread without emulsifiers list.

Spreads and butter without E471

Many spreads use E471. Butter doesn't. Butter is just cream, and sometimes salt.

This spread is made from butter and olive oil, with no emulsifier:

And here is plain butter:

See our butter and ghee list.

Is there ice cream without E471?

Some small brands make ice cream with just cream, milk, eggs and sugar. We don't have any in our catalogue yet, because our rules also leave out added sugar.

You can make a quick frozen treat at home. Blend frozen banana with a spoon of Greek yoghurt.

How to find food without E471

  1. Find "Ingredients".
  2. Look for "emulsifier".
  3. Look for "E471" or "mono- and diglycerides".
  4. If you see none, the food has no E471.

Tip: bakery bread made to be eaten in a day or two often has no emulsifiers. Ask your baker.

Our list of chocolate without emulsifiers can help with treats too.

Recipe idea

Try our cheese and onion sourdough toastie. Use a sourdough loaf with a short list.

FAQ

What is E471 made from? Fats and glycerol. The fat can come from plants or animals.

Is E471 made from pork? It can be made from animal fat, and that could include pork. Many makers use plant fats. Look for a vegan, vegetarian or halal mark, or ask the maker.

What is E471 used for in bread? It helps bread stay soft for longer and gives a smoother crumb.

Is E471 allowed in the UK? Yes. It is on the FSA's list of approved additives.

Sources

  • GOV.UK (FSA), Approved additives and E numbers: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/approved-additives-and-e-numbers/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
  • GOV.UK (FSA), Food additives (how additives are labelled): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/food-additives/food-additives
  • EFSA, Re-evaluation of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids (E 471): https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2017.5045

Want to check a pack for E471? Take a photo of the label in The Better Basket, and we'll find every emulsifier.

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