E495: Sorbitan Monopalmitate
Main role: emulsifying
Also listed as: Span 40
What is E495 (Sorbitan Monopalmitate)?
Sorbitan monopalmitate combines sorbitan with palmitic acid. It is used as an emulsifier in the specific food applications covered by its authorization.
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
- Dessert emulsions
- Bakery ingredient blends
- Fat-containing 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 E495, E 495, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include Span 40. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A palmitate component does not tell you the total saturated-fat content of a product. That quantity depends on the full formulation and serving size.
Is E495 safe?
The EFSA sorbitan esters re-evaluation (2017) is a scientific reference for this group. Its conclusions apply to the uses and exposures considered in that assessment, rather than every possible use or personal circumstance.
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 E495 as Sorbitan monopalmitate. 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.