Are Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides (E472c) Vegan?

Also known as: CITREM, INS 472c, Citroglycerides, Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids esterified with citric acid

Related additives: Citric acid (E330), Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471)

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

E472c depends on the fat behind its glycerides. One manufacturer reported sunflower and palm oil to EFSA, yet the EU specification names no fat and the related E471 draws on tallow and lard too. The citric acid part comes from fermentation or fruit juice.

What are Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides?

E472c is a mixture of glycerol esters that carry citric acid and fatty acids, sometimes neutralized with sodium, potassium or calcium. It acts as an emulsifier.

Which animal, and does it die

Comes from: cattle or pig, via tallow or lard
Requires slaughter: Yes

Vegetarian depends on the source

From a mammalRelevant to alpha-gal syndrome
Pig is a common sourceRelevant to halal and kosher diets

These flags describe sourcing. They are not an allergen assessment, and a vegan label is not a free-from claim. If you have an allergy, read the allergen declaration on the pack.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Depends on Source

E-Number

E472c

Also Known As

CITREM; INS 472c; Citroglycerides; Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids esterified with citric acid

Source

Made by esterifying glycerol with citric acid and edible fatty acids, or by reacting mono- and diglycerides with citric acid at 125 to 155 degrees Celsius. The EU specification names no fat or oil, and one manufacturer reported batches made from sunflower oil or palm oil. EFSA lists tallow and lard among the source materials for the E471 glycerides used in this range.

Commonly Found In

Meat pastes and pates, margarine and fat blends, cakes and pastries, baking mixes and infant formula, based on the product labels EFSA checked.

Vegan Alternative

Citric acid esters made from vegetable oil, confirmed by the supplier or marked with a vegan certification.

Additional Notes

Ask the supplier which fat or oil supplied the glycerides. Citric acid comes from fruit juice, yeast fermentation or mold fermentation, so the fat is the open question.