E473: Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids
Main role: emulsifying
Also listed as: sucrose fatty-acid esters, sugar esters
What is E473 (Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids)?
Sucrose esters combine sucrose with fatty acids to make ingredients with emulsifying properties. Different ester mixtures are selected for different food systems; their primary purpose is mixing rather than sweetness.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is emulsifying. Emulsifiers help ingredients mix or remain distributed. The recipe determines whether that means dispersing fat, improving dough handling, or controlling a coating. Their presence alone does not describe the food’s overall nutritional quality.
Food and formulation examples
- Beverages
- Desserts
- Emulsified sauces
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E473, E 473, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sucrose fatty-acid esters, sugar esters. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Sugar esters are not interchangeable with table sugar. Their inclusion does not establish whether a product is low in sugars, which remains a nutrition-label question.
Is E473 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E473 as Sucrose esters of fatty acids. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.