Polysorbate 60

Polysorbate 60 is a synthetic compound made from sorbitol, stearic acid, and ethylene oxide. It is part of a family of ingredients called polysorbates, which are used to help mix ingredients that normally separate.

Manufacturers add polysorbate 60 to foods as an emulsifier, which helps oil and water-based ingredients blend together smoothly and prevents them from separating. It also helps improve the texture and volume of baked goods and keeps icings and toppings stable. It is commonly found in cookies, cakes, snack cakes, and dessert toppings.

In the United States, polysorbate 60 is an FDA-approved food additive. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated polysorbate 60 and set an acceptable daily intake. It is generally considered safe for consumption at the levels typically found in food. Some animal studies using very high doses have explored its effects on gut bacteria, but these findings are not considered relevant to the amounts consumed in a typical human diet.