Are Sodium Potassium and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids (E470a) Vegan?

Also known as: INS 470a, Salts of fatty acids

Related additives: Magnesium salts of fatty acids (E470b), Fatty acids (E570), Sodium stearate, Calcium stearate

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

E470a depends on the fat that supplied its fatty acids. EFSA records vegetable oil supplies and an animal fat supply, lard and tallow included, under the same E number. The label does not say which, so a supplier statement or vegan certification settles it.

What are Sodium Potassium and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids?

E470a covers the sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids such as stearic and palmitic acid. They work as emulsifiers, binders and anti-caking agents.

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

E470a

Also Known As

INS 470a; Salts of fatty acids

Source

Each salt joins a fatty acid, mainly stearic or palmitic acid, to sodium, potassium or calcium. The EU specification takes the fatty acids from edible fats and oils or from distilled food fatty acids. Industry told EFSA of four supplies: three from vegetable oils such as palm oil and one from animal fat such as lard or tallow.

Commonly Found In

Cakes and pastries, ice cream and frozen yogurt, chilled desserts and vitamin or dietary supplements, based on the product labels EFSA checked.

Vegan Alternative

Salts of fatty acids made from vegetable oil, confirmed by the supplier or marked with a vegan certification.

Additional Notes

Ask the supplier which fat supplied the fatty acids. The same E470a entry covers vegetable and animal supplies, and a certified vegan mark settles it.

Frequently asked questions

Is E470a the same as magnesium stearate?

No. E470a covers sodium, potassium and calcium salts. Magnesium salts, magnesium stearate among them, carry the separate number E470b. EFSA assessed both together, and industry reported the same four fatty acid supplies for both.