Is Polysorbate 40 (E434) Vegan?

Also known as: Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, INS 434

Related additives: Sorbitan monopalmitate (E495)

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

Polysorbate 40 depends on its palmitic acid. Palm oil is one documented source and tallow oil is another, and the specification asks only for edible commercial palmitic acid. The sorbitol is plant-derived and the ethylene oxide is synthetic.

What is Polysorbate 40?

Polysorbate 40 (E434) is palmitic acid esters of sorbitol reacted with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol, which makes it dissolve in water. It works as an emulsifier and dispersing agent.

Which animal, and does it die

Comes from: cattle, sheep or pig, via tallow- or lard-derived palmitic acid
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

E434

Also Known As

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate; Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate; INS 434

Source

Sorbitol esters of palmitic acid are reacted with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide, a synthetic gas, per mole of sorbitol. EFSA reports sorbitol for the related sorbitan esters as made from glucose obtained from maize or tapioca. Palmitic acid is produced by hydrolyzing and fractionating palm oil, tallow oil or coconut oil.

Commonly Found In

The EU authorizes the polysorbates group (E432 to E436) in a wide variety of foods at 500 to 10,000 mg/kg, and in carbonated drinks at 10 mg/kg as an anti-foaming agent, and in food supplements at quantum satis.

Vegan Alternative

Polysorbate 40 made with palm-derived palmitic acid, confirmed by the supplier or by a certified vegan mark.

Additional Notes

Palmitic acid is a co-product of stearic acid manufacture, so E434 can share the fat source of E435. Ask the supplier which fat or oil supplied the fatty acid, or look for a certified vegan mark on the finished product.

Frequently asked questions

Is polysorbate 40 the same as polysorbate 60?

No. Polysorbate 40 (E434) carries palmitic acid and polysorbate 60 (E435) carries stearic acid. EFSA noted that commercial stearic acid contains close to half palmitic acid, so the two share a fat source question.

Is polysorbate 40 made from palm oil?

It can be. Palm oil is a documented source of palmitic acid, and tallow oil is another. The JECFA specification names neither, so only the supplier can confirm.