My diet:

E433 Polysorbate 80

E433EmulsifiersOrigin: Lab-made
Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganDepends

The fatty acid can come from plant oils or animal fat.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalDepends

Depends on the fat source.

KosherDepends

Depends on the fat source.

KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Polysorbate 80 (E433) is a lab-made emulsifier in ice cream and sauces. Mouse studies linked it to gut inflammation, and its vegan status depends on the fat source.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE433
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesEmulsifiers
Glycemic index—
Daily limit25 mg/kg
Also calledPolysorbate 80, Tween 80

Rules by country

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

Approved with limits in the US, EU and Canada. EFSA set a group limit of 25 mg per kg of body weight in 2015.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

1.8 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 25 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 500 mg a day.

What is it?

Polysorbate 80 is a detergent-like emulsifier. It's very effective at keeping fat droplets small and evenly spread.

Where it comes from: Made in a lab by combining sorbitol with ethylene oxide and oleic acid. The oleic acid can come from plant oils or animal fat.

Why it’s in food

  • Keeps ice cream smooth and slow-melting
  • Holds flavor oils in drinks and pickles
  • Stops sauces separating

Often found in

Ice creamPicklesSaucesVitamin gummiesWhipped toppings

Also listed as: Polysorbate 80, Tween 80, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate

Health & gut impact

Gut inflammationUnder study

In mice, it thinned the protective gut mucus and promoted low-grade inflammation. Human data are still early.

Chassaing et al., Nature (2015)

Safety reviewConcern

EFSA saw no safety concern at current intakes.

EFSA Journal 13(7):4152 (2015)

What can I use instead?

Sunflower lecithin

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Dressings and sauces

Egg yolk

Ratio: 1 yolk per cup

Best for: Ice cream custard (not vegan)

Related

More emulsifiers:

Lecithin (Soy / Sunflower) E322Lecithin (E322) is a natural fat from soy or sunflower that keeps chocolate, dressings and baked goods smooth. It's safe, vegan and gluten-free. People with a soy allergy should look for sunflower lecithin.Generally safeMono- and Diglycerides E471Mono- and diglycerides (E471) are emulsifiers that can be made from plants or from pork or beef fat. They're only vegan, halal or kosher when the product is certified.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Polysorbate 80 safe?

Use in moderation (55/100). Approved with limits in the US, EU and Canada. EFSA set a group limit of 25 mg per kg of body weight in 2015.

Is Polysorbate 80 vegan?

Depends. The fatty acid can come from plant oils or animal fat.

Is Polysorbate 80 gluten-free?

Yes.

Spotted a mistake on this page? Report it ›

Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 172.840 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E433
  • Chassaing et al., Nature (2015)
  • EFSA Journal 13(7):4152 (2015)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 433 · CAS 9005-65-6