My diet:

E491 Sorbitan monostearate

E491EmulsifiersOrigin: Plant or animal
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Every diet

VeganDepends

The stearic acid in sorbitan monostearate can be animal or vegetable.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalDepends

Sorbitan monostearate needs a halal certificate.

KosherDepends

Sorbitan monostearate needs a kosher certificate.

KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Sorbitan monostearate (E491), also called Span 60, helps cakes and whipped toppings hold together. It is allowed within a daily limit. Vegan status depends on the stearic acid.
Use in moderation

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

E-numberE491
Comes fromPlant or animal
What it doesEmulsifiers
Glycemic index—
Daily limit25 mg/kg
Also calledSorbitan monostearate, Span 60

Rules by country

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

Sorbitan monostearate is an approved emulsifier with category limits in the US, the EU and Canada. JECFA's group limit for sorbitan esters is 25 mg per kg of body weight. It is also the backbone chemists turn into polysorbate 60.

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?

This is a mild emulsifier, less water-soluble than the polysorbates made from it. Yeast-raised bakery goods and dry whipped-topping powders are the usual places it shows up.

Where it comes from: Sorbitol is esterified with stearic acid to make sorbitan monostearate. Sorbitol usually comes from corn. Stearic acid may come from vegetable oil or from animal fat.

Why it’s in food

  • Stabilizes cake crumb
  • Helps dry whipped toppings
  • Protects yeast doughs
  • Carries flavors

Often found in

CakesWhipped topping powdersYeast doughsIcingsCoffee whitenerShortening

Also listed as: Sorbitan monostearate, Span 60, Sorbitan stearate

Health & gut impact

Group limitUnder study

Sorbitan monostearate counts toward the 25 mg per kg group limit for sorbitan esters.

JECFA evaluation of sorbitan monostearate

Parent of a polysorbateConcern

Reacting this ester further with ethylene oxide produces polysorbate 60. On a label they are separate additives.

21 CFR 172.842

What can I use instead?

Lecithin

Ratio: Recipe dependent

Best for: Doughs

Mono- and diglycerides

Ratio: Baker's ratio

Best for: Cakes

Related

More emulsifiers:

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 safeBrominated 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 avoidDATEM (Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) E472eDATEM (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 safeLecithin (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 safe

Common questions

What does Span 60 mean on a technical sheet?

Span 60 is a trade name for sorbitan monostearate, E491. Tween 60 is the related polysorbate.

Is Sorbitan monostearate safe?

Use in moderation (71/100). Sorbitan monostearate is an approved emulsifier with category limits in the US, the EU and Canada. JECFA's group limit for sorbitan esters is 25 mg per kg of body weight. It is also the backbone chemists turn into polysorbate 60.

Is Sorbitan monostearate vegan?

Depends. The stearic acid in sorbitan monostearate can be animal or vegetable.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 172.842 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E491
  • JECFA evaluation of sorbitan monostearate
  • 21 CFR 172.842

INS 491 · CAS 1338-41-6