Is Sorbitan Tristearate (E492) Vegan?

Also known as: Sorbitan, trioctadecanoate, INS 492

Related additives: Sorbitan monostearate (E491), Polysorbate 65 (E436)

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

Sorbitan tristearate depends on its stearic acid. The EU specification asks only for edible commercial stearic acid, which can be hydrolyzed tallow or hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ask the supplier which fat it came from.

What is Sorbitan Tristearate?

Sorbitan tristearate (E492) is a mixture of sorbitol esters of stearic acid that emulsifies fats. It is waxy and is the only sorbitan ester the EU allows in chocolate.

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

E492

Also Known As

Sorbitan, trioctadecanoate; INS 492

Source

Food-grade sorbitol is esterified with commercial stearic acid, and EFSA reports the sorbitol as made from glucose obtained from maize or tapioca. Commercial stearic acid comes from hydrolyzed tallow or from hydrogenated vegetable oils. EFSA's review cites a technical reference that fatty acids from vegetable sources are the most used for sorbitan esters.

Commonly Found In

Chocolate, cocoa-based confectionery and fine bakery wares at up to 10,000 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.

Vegan Alternative

Sorbitan tristearate 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 E492. 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 E492 the same as E491?

No. E491 is sorbitan monostearate and E492 is sorbitan tristearate. Both are sorbitol esters of stearic acid, so they share the same fat source question.

Does sorbitan tristearate 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.