Is Sorbitan Monolaurate (E493) Vegan?

Also known as: Sorbitan laurate, Sorbitan, monododecanoate, INS 493

Related additives: Polysorbate 20 (E432)

Vegan

Last checked How we decide

Sorbitan monolaurate is vegan. Coconut oil is a major commercial source of lauric acid, alongside palm kernel oil, and the sorbitol comes from plant starch. The EU specification asks only for edible commercial lauric acid and does not name the oil.

What is Sorbitan Monolaurate?

Sorbitan monolaurate (E493) is a mixture of sorbitol esters of lauric acid that works as an emulsifier. Polysorbate 20 uses the same lauric acid esters of sorbitol, reacted with ethylene oxide.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Vegan

E-Number

E493

Also Known As

Sorbitan laurate; Sorbitan, monododecanoate; INS 493

Source

Food-grade sorbitol is esterified with lauric acid, and EFSA reports the sorbitol as made from glucose obtained from maize or tapioca. Coconut oil is a major commercial source of lauric acid, alongside palm kernel oil, and EFSA's feed additive review describes the fatty acids of sorbitan monolaurate as derived from coconut oil.

Commonly Found In

In the EU, jelly marmalade at up to 25 mg/kg, plus the categories shared by E491 to E495, which include flavored fermented milk, dairy analogues, fat emulsions, edible ices, chewing gum, emulsified sauces and dry baking yeast.

Additional Notes

The documented lauric acid supply is coconut and palm kernel oil, so the plant source holds for ordinary food-grade material. The EU specification only says edible commercial lauric acid, so a supplier statement or a vegan mark removes any doubt.

Frequently asked questions

Is sorbitan monolaurate the same as polysorbate 20?

No. Polysorbate 20 (E432) is lauric acid esters of sorbitol reacted with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol, which makes it water-soluble. E493 has no ethylene oxide.

Does E493 come from coconut or palm?

Both oils are documented raw materials for lauric acid. EFSA's feed additive review names coconut oil for the sorbitan monolaurate it assessed, and an oleochemical reference lists palm kernel oil alongside coconut oil.

Sources

← Back to Ingredients Submit a correction

Related entries

Polysorbate 20

E432

Vegan

Sorbitan Monostearate

E491

Depends on Source

Sorbitol

E420

Vegan

Fatty Acids

E570

Depends on Source