Mono & Diglycerides

Mono- and diglycerides are a type of fat that acts as an emulsifier. They are made by reacting fats or oils (which can come from plants or animals) with glycerol.

Manufacturers add them to foods to help mix ingredients that normally don't blend well, like oil and water. They also help stabilize products, prevent separation, improve texture, and extend shelf life in items such as baked goods, ice cream, and margarine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers mono- and diglycerides to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated them and did not set a numeric acceptable daily intake, as they are digested similarly to other dietary fats. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also found no safety concerns.