Digestoa
Additive · Emulsifier

Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids (E471)

Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) is an emulsifier that Digestoa flags as moderate risk. Common concerns include may contain trans fats.

Digestoa riskModerate risk
TypeEmulsifier
Found inPackaged bread, margarine, ice cream, biscuits and many ultra-processed foods.
ConcernsMay contain trans fats · Emulsifier — gut concerns · Ultra-processing marker

What is Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids?

Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids are emulsifiers that keep oil and water mixed. They're one of the most common markers of ultra-processing, and can contain trace trans fats.

Is Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids bad for you?

Digestoa flags Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids as moderate risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including may contain trans fats, emulsifier — gut concerns, ultra-processing marker. How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids?

Packaged bread, margarine, ice cream, biscuits and many ultra-processed foods..

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids. But it's a useful flag: when you see E471 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Choose breads and spreads with short, recognisable ingredient lists.

Frequently asked questions

Is E471 the same as Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids?
Yes — E471 is the international additive (E-number) code for Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids.
Is Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids bad for you?
Digestoa flags Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) as moderate risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as may contain trans fats.
What are the side effects of Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids?
Reported concerns include: May contain trans fats; Emulsifier — gut concerns; Ultra-processing marker.
What foods contain Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids?
Packaged bread, margarine, ice cream, biscuits and many ultra-processed foods..
How can I avoid Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids?
Check the ingredients list for "Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids" or "E471", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related emulsifier additives

Polysorbate 80 (E433)Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (E466)DATEM (E472E)Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) (E476)Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481)Lecithins (E322)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.