E470a Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids

E470aEmulsifiersOrigin: Plant or animal

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganDepends

The fatty acids can come from a plant oil or from an animal fat. The code does not say which.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalDepends

An animal fat source needs a halal certification. A vegetable source does not.

KosherDepends

An animal source needs kosher certification.

KetoYes

These are fats and minerals, not sugars.

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

E470a covers the sodium, potassium and calcium soaps of fatty acids. They are allowed emulsifiers and anticaking agents. Vegan, halal and kosher status depends on whether the fat was plant or animal.

86/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE470a

Comes fromPlant or animal

What it doesEmulsifiers

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledSodium potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids, Salts of fatty acids

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

The EU authorizes E470a as an emulsifier, stabilizer and anticaking agent. The US and Canada allow the individual salts, such as calcium stearate and sodium stearate, in the same kinds of foods. EFSA's re-evaluation of the group did not raise a safety concern at the reported uses. The open question is the source of the fat, which the code does not name.

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

What is it?

The powders keep a mix from caking and help fat and water sit together. Cake mixes, powdered drinks and some tablets use a pinch.

Where it comes from: E470a is the sodium, potassium and calcium soaps of edible fatty acids. A fatty acid such as stearic acid is neutralized with one of those minerals. The fat underneath can be from a plant or from an animal. Magnesium salts are the sister code E470b, and magnesium stearate already has its own page.

Why it’s in food

Stops a powdered mix clumping
Emulsifies a cake batter
Releases a tablet from a mold
Stabilizes a coating

Often found in

Cake mixesPowdered dessertsTabletsCoatingsSeasoning powdersSome bakery wares

Also listed as: Sodium potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids, Salts of fatty acids, Sodium stearate, Calcium stearate, E470a

Health & gut impact

Soaps of ordinary fatsBenefit

The body sees fatty-acid salts as fats plus sodium, potassium or calcium. EFSA did not set a concern at the amounts used in food.

EFSA re-evaluation of fatty acid salts (E 470a)

The fat's origin is the diet questionUnder study

Nothing in the name E470a tells you whether the stearic acid came from a cow or from a plant. Certification is the only reliable answer.

Specification of E470a

What can I use instead?

Stearic acid

Ratio: You skip the mineral salt

Best for: A fat-based tablet or coating

Magnesium stearate

Ratio: A different mineral on the same kind of fat

Best for: A capsule

More emulsifiers:

Acetylated monoglycerides E472aAcetylated monoglycerides (E472a) are fat-based emulsifiers that help bread hold air and keep whipped toppings stable. They are common in bakery and generally considered safe; check the source fat if you avoid animal ingredients.Use in moderation Ammonium phosphatides E442Ammonium phosphatides (E442) are a chocolate emulsifier made from vegetable oil. They are an alternative to soy lecithin when a recipe needs chocolate to flow, and they are considered safe.Generally safe Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) kept the citrus flavor from floating to the top of some sodas. The FDA banned it in 2024 because of thyroid effects, so check older or imported citrus drinks.Best to avoid Calcium stearoyl lactylate E482Calcium stearoyl lactylate (E482) is a dough strengthener that helps bread rise and stay soft. Its fat source varies, so vegans and people following halal or kosher rules should check the label.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is E470a vegan?

Sometimes. The fatty acids can be plant or animal, and the label usually does not say. Look for a vegan mark.

Is it the same as magnesium stearate?

No. Magnesium salts are E470b. This page is the sodium, potassium and calcium salts.

Is Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids safe?

Generally safe (86/100). The EU authorizes E470a as an emulsifier, stabilizer and anticaking agent. The US and Canada allow the individual salts, such as calcium stearate and sodium stearate, in the same kinds of foods. EFSA's re-evaluation of the group did not raise a safety concern at the reported uses. The open question is the source of the fat, which the code does not name.

Is Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids vegan?

Depends. The fatty acids can come from a plant oil or from an animal fat. The code does not say which.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E470a
EFSA re-evaluation of fatty acid salts (E 470a)
Specification of E470a

INS 470a