E474: Sucroglycerides
Main role: emulsifying
Also listed as: sucrose glycerides
What is E474 (Sucroglycerides)?
Sucroglycerides are mixtures containing sucrose esters together with glycerides. They belong to the fat-and-water mixing ingredients used in suitable processed-food formulations.
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
- Fat-containing desserts
- Bakery emulsifier preparations
- Emulsified mixtures
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 E474, E 474, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sucrose glycerides. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Sucroglycerides and sucrose esters E473 have different specifications. The similar names should not be used to infer identical composition or sourcing.
Is E474 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 E474 as Sucroglycerides. 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.