My diet:

E472e DATEM (Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides)

E472eEmulsifiersOrigin: Plant or animal
Get a personal answer

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Every diet

VeganDepends

Usually from plant oils, but the fat source is rarely stated. Look for a vegan logo.

Gluten-freeYes

DATEM itself has no gluten, but it's mostly used in wheat bread.

HalalDepends

Could be made from animal fat. Look for halal certification.

KosherDepends

Could be made from animal fat. Look for kosher certification.

KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
DATEM (E472e) is a dough strengthener that gives sandwich bread its tall, soft crumb. It's safe, but the fat it's made from may be animal-based.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE472e
Comes fromPlant or animal
What it doesEmulsifiers
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledDATEM, Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides

Bake soft sandwich bread at home

For your pantry
Pantry staple

Vital wheat gluten

A spoonful gives home loaves the rise DATEM gives store bread.

Shop vital wheat gluten Opens your country’s Amazon store
Food-grade pouch

Sunflower lecithin powder

A plant-based dough softener for home baking.

Shop sunflower lecithin Opens your country’s Amazon store
Kitchen tool

Pullman loaf pan with lid

For square, soft sandwich loaves.

Shop Pullman pans Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

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

Approved everywhere with no daily limit. EFSA re-checked it in 2020 and found no safety concern.

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

What is it?

DATEM binds to gluten and makes dough stronger and more elastic, so bread rises higher and holds its shape on a factory line. It's a close cousin of mono- and diglycerides.

Where it comes from: Made by reacting mono- and diglycerides with tartaric and acetic acid. The fats are usually soybean or palm oil but can come from animal fat.

Why it’s in food

  • Makes bread rise taller with a finer crumb
  • Strengthens dough for machine handling
  • Keeps frozen dough stable
  • Stops coffee creamer from separating

Often found in

Sandwich bread and bunsTortillasFrozen dough and pizza crustCrackersCoffee creamerGluten-free bread

Also listed as: DATEM, Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono and diglycerides, Mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, Diacetyl tartaric acid ester

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewBenefit

EFSA found no safety concern and no need for a daily limit. The body breaks it down into fats and food acids.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2020)

What can I use instead?

Lecithin

Ratio: To label

Best for: Bread dough

Vital wheat gluten

Ratio: 1–2% of flour weight

Best for: Home bread baking

Related

More emulsifiers:

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 avoidLecithin (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 moderationPolyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR) E476PGPR (E476) is an emulsifier made from castor oil that helps cheaper chocolate flow with less cocoa butter. It's approved with limits and considered safe at food levels, but it's a sign of a budget recipe.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is DATEM safe?

Generally safe (85/100). Approved everywhere with no daily limit. EFSA re-checked it in 2020 and found no safety concern.

Is DATEM vegan?

Depends. Usually from plant oils, but the fat source is rarely stated. Look for a vegan logo.

Is DATEM gluten-free?

Yes. DATEM itself has no gluten, but it's mostly used in wheat bread.

Is DATEM vegan?

Often, but not always. Unless the product is certified vegan, you can't tell whether the fat came from plants or animals.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1101 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E472e
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2020)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 472e