Is Sorbitan Monooleate (E494) Vegan?

Also known as: Sorbitan, mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate, INS 494

Related additives: Polysorbate 80 (E433)

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

Sorbitan monooleate depends on its oleic acid. Oleic acid is made from vegetable oils and also from animal tallow, and the EU specification asks only for edible commercial oleic acid. Ask the supplier which fat it came from.

What is Sorbitan Monooleate?

Sorbitan monooleate (E494) is a mixture of sorbitol esters of oleic acid that works as an emulsifier. Polysorbate 80 uses the same oleic acid esters of sorbitol, reacted with ethylene oxide.

Which animal, and does it die

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

E494

Also Known As

Sorbitan, mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate; INS 494

Source

Food-grade sorbitol is esterified with commercial oleic acid, and EFSA reports the sorbitol as made from glucose obtained from maize or tapioca. Oleic acid is produced by hydrolyzing animal or vegetable fats and oils, and a cosmetic safety review reports its preparation from animal tallow and from olive oil. EFSA's review cites a technical reference that fatty acids from vegetable sources are the most used for sorbitan esters.

Commonly Found In

In the EU, 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.

Vegan Alternative

Sorbitan monooleate made with vegetable-oil oleic acid, confirmed by the supplier or by a certified vegan mark.

Additional Notes

The label shows only the name or E494. Oleic acid is also a by-product of making solid stearic and palmitic acids, so its source can follow those fats. 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 sorbitan monooleate the same as polysorbate 80?

No. Polysorbate 80 (E433) is oleic acid esters of sorbitol reacted with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol, and it dissolves in water. E494 has no ethylene oxide.

Can sorbitan monooleate be made from animal fat?

Yes. Oleic acid prepared from animal tallow is a documented route, as is oleic acid from vegetable oils. The EU specification names neither, so only the supplier can say.