Are Acetic and Tartaric Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides (E472f) Vegan?

Also known as: MATEM, INS 472f, Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, Diacetylated tartaric, acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol

Related additives: DATEM (E472e), Tartaric acid (E334), Acetic acid (E260)

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

E472f depends on the fat behind its glycerides. It is a close relative of DATEM (E472e), and both draw on vegetable oils or on animal fat such as tallow and lard. EFSA recommends L(+)-tartaric acid for it, made from wine by-products or from maleic anhydride.

What are Acetic and Tartaric Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides?

E472f is a mixture of glycerol esters that carry acetic acid, tartaric acid and fatty acids. 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

E472f

Also Known As

MATEM; INS 472f; Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; Diacetylated tartaric, acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol

Source

Made by reacting mono- and diglycerides with tartaric acid anhydride in the presence of acetic acid, or by esterifying them with tartaric and acetic acid using acetic anhydride. The fatty acids come from food fats and oils, and EFSA lists tallow and lard among the source materials for the E471 glycerides. EFSA found its manufacture and composition not markedly different from DATEM.

Commonly Found In

Bread, cakes and pastries, and sandwiches or wraps, where market data group it with DATEM (E472e) under one label name.

Vegan Alternative

Mixed acetic and tartaric 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. A label that reads DATEM or diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol can mean E472e or E472f, and the fat question is the same for both.