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The facts: Polysorbate 80 is restricted in European Union (ADI 25 mg/kg body weight per day), Australia, though the FDA still allows it in the US. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Polysorbate 80 on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Ice cream (most commercial brands), Non-dairy creamers, Whipped topping.
TL;DR: Polysorbate 80 is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | — |
| Where it shows up | Ice cream (most commercial brands), Non-dairy creamers, Whipped topping, Salad dressings, Pickles, Some baked goods |
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) is a synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid (from vegetable oils) through ethoxylation. It is widely used in food to keep water-based and oil-based ingredients uniformly mixed. Chemical formula: polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate.
Polysorbate 80 is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in ice cream, non-dairy creamers, salad dressings, whipped toppings, pickles, and various other foods to maintain smooth texture, prevent separation, and improve creaminess. It is also widely used in pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and vaccines.
Emerging research has raised concerns about polysorbate 80's effects on the gut. A landmark 2015 study in Nature (Chassaing et al.) found that dietary polysorbate 80 and polysorbate 60 at concentrations approaching food use levels promoted colitis and metabolic syndrome in genetically susceptible mice by disrupting the intestinal mucus layer and altering gut microbiome composition. The emulsifiers thinned the protective mucus layer, allowing bacteria to come into closer contact with gut epithelial cells and triggering inflammation. This study was a seminal contribution to gut health research, though it was conducted in mice and requires confirmation in humans. A 2020 follow-up study found that dietary emulsifiers including polysorbate 80 promoted gut inflammation and altered gut microbiome in human participants with Crohn's disease. People with inflammatory bowel disease may be most vulnerable to polysorbate 80's potential gut effects.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Polysorbate 80 with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Yes. Polysorbate 80 is restricted in European Union (ADI 25 mg/kg body weight per day), Australia. The FDA still allows it in the US.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Ice cream (most commercial brands), Non-dairy creamers, Whipped topping, Salad dressings, Pickles, Some baked goods. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Polysorbate 80.
Lecithin (soy or sunflower, natural emulsifier), mono and diglycerides, and various plant-based emulsifiers can substitute in many applications. Some natural ice cream brands use egg yolk lecithin or guar gum instead of polysorbate 80. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Polysorbate 80 or other ingredients restricted overseas.
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Audited products that don't contain Polysorbate 80.
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