Are Propane-1,2-diol Esters of Fatty Acids (E477) Vegan?

Also known as: Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids, Propylene glycol mono- and diesters of fatty acids, INS 477

Related additives: Propane-1,2-diol (E1520), Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids (E475)

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

E477 depends on the fat that supplied its fatty acids. EFSA describes propane-1,2-diol as made from propylene oxide, while the fatty acids come from vegetable oils or from animal fats such as lard and tallow. The label does not say which.

What are Propane-1,2-diol Esters of Fatty Acids?

E477 is a mixture of mono- and diesters of propane-1,2-diol, also called propylene glycol, with fatty acids. It works 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

E477

Also Known As

Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids; Propylene glycol mono- and diesters of fatty acids; INS 477

Source

Made by esterifying propane-1,2-diol with fatty acids from hydrolyzed fats and oils, or by transesterifying fats and oils with propane-1,2-diol. In its E1520 opinion, EFSA records that industry makes propane-1,2-diol from propylene oxide and water. For the fats, EFSA points to the source list in its E475 opinion, which names palm, sunflower, rapeseed and soy oils as well as lard and tallow.

Commonly Found In

Ice cream, fine bakery wares, whipped dessert toppings, desserts, cream analogues and chewing gum, with ice cream the largest share of industry-reported use levels in EFSA's review.

Vegan Alternative

Propane-1,2-diol esters made from vegetable oil fatty acids, confirmed by the supplier or marked with a vegan certification.

Additional Notes

Ask the supplier which fat or oil supplied the fatty acids. A vegan certification mark settles it, since the propane-1,2-diol half is made from propylene oxide in the route EFSA describes.