Is Sorbitan Monopalmitate (E495) Vegan?

Also known as: Sorbitan, mono-hexadecanoate, INS 495

Related additives: Polysorbate 40 (E434)

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

Sorbitan monopalmitate depends on its palmitic acid. Palm oil is one documented source and tallow oil is another, and the EU specification asks only for edible commercial palmitic acid. Ask the supplier which fat it came from.

What is Sorbitan Monopalmitate?

Sorbitan monopalmitate (E495) is a waxy mixture of sorbitol esters of palmitic acid that works as an emulsifier.

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

E495

Also Known As

Sorbitan, mono-hexadecanoate; INS 495

Source

Food-grade sorbitol is esterified with commercial palmitic acid, and EFSA reports the sorbitol as made from glucose obtained from maize or tapioca. Palmitic acid is produced by hydrolyzing and fractionating palm oil, tallow oil or coconut oil, and it is also obtained during stearic acid manufacture. 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 monopalmitate made with palm-derived palmitic acid, confirmed by the supplier or by a certified vegan mark.

Additional Notes

The label shows only the name or E495. Palmitic acid is a co-product of stearic acid manufacture, so E495 can share the fat source of E491. 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 E495 the same as E491?

They are separate E-numbers. EFSA noted that commercial stearic acid contains close to half palmitic acid and could not exclude that sorbitan monostearate (E491) and sorbitan monopalmitate (E495) are identical.

Is sorbitan monopalmitate made from palm oil?

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