Mono- And Diglycerides
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.
What it is
Mono- and diglycerides are food additives made from fats and oils. They are created by breaking down fats, which can come from plant sources like soybean or palm oil, or animal sources, into smaller parts.
Why it's used
They are primarily used as emulsifiers, helping to mix ingredients that normally separate, such as oil and water. This improves the texture, stability, and shelf life of various foods, including baked goods, dairy products, and processed snacks.
Health notes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers mono- and diglycerides to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in food. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated them and determined that a specific acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not necessary. While they are structurally similar to fats and can contain small amounts of trans fats, they are not considered partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), which are no longer GRAS since 2018.
Allergen info
Mono- and diglycerides are not considered a major allergen themselves. They are made from fats and oils, which can come from sources like soy or palm, but the processing generally removes allergenic proteins.