What is E477?
Propylene glycol mono- and di-esters of fatty acids (E477) are emulsifying ingredients used in specified food formulations. Goodnessly rates them Caution as a prompt to notice the formulation and use conditions.
E477 is a group of propylene-glycol esters made from edible fats or fatty acids. They help ingredients with different properties work together in selected foods.
Download our app to check additives in everyday foods
Read the FAQ →
What is Propylene glycol mono- and di-esters of fatty acids?
E477 refers to mono- and di-esters of propylene glycol with fatty acids. Their structure gives them emulsifying properties that can help with texture and consistency.
What's it used for?
- Helping oil and water phases stay mixed
- Supporting texture and consistency
- Dispersing or stabilising ingredients
- Supporting selected bakery and confectionery formulations
Where you'll find E477 on the shelf
It is most relevant to emulsified foods, bakery products, confectionery and other formulations where texture and mixing matter.
Is E477 permitted? What the regulators say
E477 is authorised or permitted in the three systems checked, with specific food categories, purity requirements and use limits.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists propylene glycol esters of fatty acids (INS 477) in Schedule 15; food-category permissions and maximum levels apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E477 propylene glycol esters of fatty acids for specified categories and levels; Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 supplies specifications. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted for specified food uses | FDA 21 CFR 172.856 permits propylene glycol mono- and diesters of fats and fatty acids from qualifying edible fats or fatty acids, at the amount reasonably required for the intended effect. |
Goodnessly rates E477 Caution to encourage awareness of emulsifiers and the wider formulation. This does not say authorised use is harmful.
Eco score: Coming Soon.
- FSANZ food-additive permissions for INS 477 include category-specific maximum levels.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 cover E477 use and specifications.
- FDA 21 CFR 172.856 sets US conditions for propylene glycol mono- and diesters.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who prefer fewer emulsifiers
- People comparing highly formulated foods
- People checking the source of fats or fatty acids in a formulation
Goodnessly rates E477 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids
- 477 or E477
- Propylene glycol mono- and diesters
- Emulsifier (477)
Look for the additive name, the E-number or the functional class followed by 477.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E477?
E477 is propylene glycol mono- and di-esters of fatty acids, an emulsifier used in specified food formulations.
Is E477 permitted?
E477 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category, source materials and use level still matter.
Why is E477 rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice emulsifiers and the overall formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E477?
Goodnessly rates E477 (propylene glycol esters of fatty acids) as Caution.
Don't decode labels by hand
Scan any product with the Goodnessly app to instantly see its full additive breakdown, kept current as new research like this comes to light.
Download our app to check additives in everyday foods