Is Polysorbate 65 (E436) Vegan?

Also known as: Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, INS 436

Related additives: Sorbitan tristearate (E492)

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

Polysorbate 65 depends on its stearic acid. Tallow or hydrogenated vegetable oil can supply it, and the specification asks only for edible commercial stearic acid. The sorbitol is plant-derived and the ethylene oxide is synthetic.

What is Polysorbate 65?

Polysorbate 65 (E436) is stearic acid esters of sorbitol reacted with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol. 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 stearic 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

E436

Also Known As

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate; Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate; INS 436

Source

Sorbitol esters of stearic 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. Commercial stearic acid comes from hydrolyzed tallow or from hydrogenated vegetable oils.

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 65 made with vegetable-oil stearic acid, confirmed by the supplier or by a certified vegan mark.

Additional Notes

The label shows only the name or E436. Commercial stearic acid is close to half palmitic acid, which follows the same fat source. 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 65 the same as polysorbate 60?

No. Polysorbate 65 (E436) is the tristearate and polysorbate 60 (E435) the monostearate. Both are built on stearic acid, so both carry the same fat source question.

Does polysorbate 65 contain animal fat?

It can. Stearic acid made by hydrolyzing tallow is a documented route, and stearic acid from hydrogenated vegetable oil is the other. Only the supplier knows which was used.