Mono-glyceride

Monoglycerides are a type of fat that can be found naturally in small amounts in foods like butter and eggs. They are often added to processed foods as a manufactured ingredient. To make them, fats and oils (which can come from animal or plant sources) are broken down and then reformed.

Manufacturers add monoglycerides primarily to help mix ingredients that don't normally mix well, like oil and water. This makes them useful as emulsifiers in a wide variety of foods, including baked goods, ice cream, and margarine. They can also help improve texture and shelf life.

Monoglycerides are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food ingredients. They are a common component of fats in the diet and are broken down during digestion. International bodies like JECFA have also evaluated them. There are no widespread controversies regarding their use at typical dietary levels.