Ingredient · E491

Sorbitan Monosterate

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
It is used as an emulsifier, helping to mix oil and water-based ingredients in …

What it is

Sorbitan monostearate is a non-ionic surfactant made from sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) and stearic acid (a fatty acid). It is typically produced by reacting sorbitol with stearic acid, often derived from vegetable oils.

Why it's used

It is used as an emulsifier, helping to mix oil and water-based ingredients in foods like baked goods, confectionery, and ice cream. It can also act as a stabilizer and texturizer, improving the mouthfeel and consistency of products.

Health notes

Sorbitan monostearate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated it, and EFSA has also assessed its safety. At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

Sorbitan monostearate is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Sorbitan Monosterate

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Long Grove Confectionery Co. Bark, Cookies N' Cream Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 500kcal 2.2Protein 26.1Fat 67.4Carbs Ander-Beacon Corporation Mini Pecan Sticky Bun, Cinnamon Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 353kcal 3.5Protein 17.6Fat 44.1Carbs Creme Curls Bakery Inc. Creme Curls Puff Pastry Treat, Creme Curls Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 512kcal 4.7Protein 32.6Fat 53.5Carbs The Kroger Co. Cheese Flavored Corn Sticks, Pretzels, Rice Crackers, Rye Chips, Honey Roasted Sesame Sticks & Garlic Breadsticks Snack Fusion Traditional Blend, Cheese Other Snacks 438kcal 9.4Protein 15.6Fat 68.8Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Monte Carlo French Toast Canadian-Style Bacon With Strawberry Jam And American Cheese On Cinnamon French Toast Breakfast Sandwiches, Monte Carlo French Toast Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 49% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in added sugars — 36% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 36% DV per serving 280kcal 11.3Protein 12.7Fat 30.7Carbs Lakeview Farms, LLC Cookies & Creme Dessert, Cookies & Creme Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 306kcal 2.4Protein 16.5Fat 40Carbs Buttercup Bakeries Inc Arnie's, Assorted Cupcakes Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 379kcal 3.0Protein 19.7Fat 48.5Carbs Leonard Novelty Bakery Leonard Novelty Bakery, St. Patricks Day Gift Plater Assorted Cookies Cookies & Biscuits 464kcal 3.6Protein 25Fat 57.1Carbs Leonard Novelty Bakery Leonard Novelty Bakery, Christmas Gift Platter Cookies & Biscuits 464kcal 7.1Protein 21.4Fat 57.1Carbs Mama Bosso Pizza, Inc. Cheese Pizza Pizza High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 224kcal 13.6Protein 8Fat 25.6Carbs Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation Glazed Banana Kreme Pie, Banana Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 389kcal 2.6Protein 16.8Fat 56.6Carbs Mama Bosso Pizza, Inc. Greek Style Bosso Pizza, Greek Style Pizza High in sodium — 42% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 328kcal 14.1Protein 14.1Fat 35.2Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.