Loading…
Answer: Mono- and Diglycerides is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Wonder Bread, Jif Peanut Butter, Cool Whip.
TL;DR: Mono- and Diglycerides is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called E471. (E471) CAS 67254-73-3.
Other names: monoglycerides, diglycerides, E471, glycerol monostearate
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Wonder Bread, Jif Peanut Butter, Cool Whip, Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, Breyers Ice Cream |
| CAS number | 67254-73-3 |
Mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers derived from glycerol and fatty acids, most commonly sourced from soybean, palm, or sunflower oil. They are partial glycerides that exist between monoglycerides (one fatty acid chain) and diglycerides (two chains). They are chemically similar to fats but are not classified as trans fats even when made from partially hydrogenated sources.
Used to blend water and fat in baked goods, margarine, ice cream, and peanut butter, improving texture and extending shelf life.
Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels. However, mono- and diglycerides can be derived from partially hydrogenated oils, meaning they may carry trace trans fats that do not appear on the trans fat label because they are classified as emulsifiers, not fats. Some researchers have noted this labeling gap. A 2019 study published in Lipids in Health and Disease noted potential concerns with industrial trans fatty acids in these additives. For most consumers, exposure is low, and regulatory agencies including FDA and EFSA consider them safe at permitted levels.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Mono- and Diglycerideswith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Sunflower lecithin or soy lecithin can serve as plant-based emulsifying alternatives. Beeswax and carnauba wax are used in confectionery.
They can contain trace trans fats if derived from partially hydrogenated oils, but they are classified as emulsifiers and do not count toward the trans fat declaration on nutrition labels.
No. They are approved in the EU as E471 with established usage levels.
Not always — they may be derived from animal fats. Look for products specifying plant-based or kosher certification.
They are extremely common in commercial bread, peanut butter, margarine, ice cream, and whipped toppings.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Mono- and Diglycerides or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.
Audited products that don't contain Mono- and Diglycerides.
As an Amazon Associate, BannedPantry earns from qualifying purchases. This never influences our ratings — see Affiliate Disclosure.