My diet:

E304 Ascorbyl palmitate (Fat-soluble vitamin C)

E304AntioxidantsOrigin: Lab-made
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Every diet

VeganDepends

Vegan when the palmitic acid comes from plants, which is the usual case with palm oil. Check with the brand if you need certainty.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Ascorbyl palmitate (E304) is vitamin C joined to a fatty acid, so it can protect oils instead of water. It stops fats going rancid, and most people tolerate it well.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE304
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesAntioxidants
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledE304, Vitamin C palmitate

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved as an antioxidant for fats, oils and fried foods in the US, EU and Canada. It is used in parts per million, far below the levels of vitamin C in fruit.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Plain vitamin C dissolves in water, so it cannot protect a fat. Attaching palmitic acid makes it oil-soluble, and it then slows the chain reaction that turns oils and fried foods stale. Once digested, it splits back into vitamin C and palmitic acid.

Where it comes from: Vitamin C is joined to palmitic acid, a fatty acid usually from palm oil, in a chemical reaction. The result is a form of vitamin C that dissolves in oil instead of water.

Why it’s in food

  • Keeps snacks and crackers from tasting stale
  • Slows rancidity in margarine and cooking oils
  • Protects fat-based foods during storage
  • Works alongside vitamin E in oil blends

Often found in

Cooking oilsPotato chipsMargarineCrackersDried meat snacks

Also listed as: E304, Vitamin C palmitate, 6-O-palmitoyl-L-ascorbic acid

Health & gut impact

Vitamin CBenefit

Once in the body it is broken down into vitamin C, so eating it in food delivers a small amount of the vitamin along with the protection it gives the fat.

EFSA opinion on vitamin C

Supplement-level dosesConcern

The amounts used in foods are far too small to matter for most people. The risks discussed for high-dose vitamin C supplements do not apply to this additive.

JECFA evaluation of ascorbyl palmitate

What can I use instead?

Mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)

Ratio: About 1:1 by weight

Best for: Oils and fats where vitamin E is wanted

Related

More antioxidants:

Alpha-tocopherol (Synthetic vitamin E) E307Alpha-tocopherol (E307) is the synthetic form of vitamin E. It stops oils and fats from going rancid. It's safe, vegan and gluten-free, and it's the same molecule the body uses.Generally safeAscorbic Acid (Vitamin C) E300Ascorbic acid (E300) is plain vitamin C. It keeps food from browning and is one of the safest additives there is.Generally safeBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) E320BHA (E320) is a synthetic preservative that keeps fats fresh. The US National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."Best to avoidBHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) E321BHT (E321) is a synthetic preservative in cereal and snacks. It's approved, but evidence on long-term effects is mixed, and many brands have dropped it.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is ascorbyl palmitate the same as vitamin C?

Not exactly. It is vitamin C bonded to a fat, so it works in oil rather than water. Your body splits it back into vitamin C.

Is ascorbyl palmitate vegan?

Usually. It is made with palmitic acid, most often from palm oil. Check with the brand if you need a certified product.

Is Ascorbyl palmitate safe?

Generally safe (88/100). Approved as an antioxidant for fats, oils and fried foods in the US, EU and Canada. It is used in parts per million, far below the levels of vitamin C in fruit.

Is Ascorbyl palmitate vegan?

Depends. Vegan when the palmitic acid comes from plants, which is the usual case with palm oil. Check with the brand if you need certainty.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E304
  • EFSA opinion on vitamin C
  • JECFA evaluation of ascorbyl palmitate

INS 304 · CAS 137-66-6