What is E491?
Sorbitan monostearate (E491) is an emulsifier used in selected food formulations. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice the formulation and use conditions.
E491 is sorbitan monostearate, an emulsifier that can help ingredients with different properties work together in specified foods.
Download our app to check additives in everyday foods
Read the FAQ →
What is Sorbitan monostearate?
Sorbitan monostearate is an ester of sorbitan and stearic acid. Its surface-active properties can support mixing and texture in permitted formulations.
What's it used for?
- Helping oil and water phases mix
- Supporting texture and consistency
- Dispersing selected ingredients
- Supporting processing in confectionery and bakery foods
Where you'll find E491 on the shelf
It is most relevant to bakery products, confectionery, emulsified foods and other formulations where an emulsifier is useful.
Is E491 permitted? What the regulators say
Sorbitan monostearate is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with identity, purity, category and use conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists sorbitan monostearate as additive 491; Schedule 15 food-category permissions and conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E491 sorbitan monostearate among sorbitan esters for specified uses and conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted for specified uses | FDA 21 CFR 172.842 sets the identity and use conditions for sorbitan monostearate as a direct food additive. |
Goodnessly rates E491 Caution to encourage awareness of emulsifiers and the wider formulation. This is not a claim that authorised use is harmful.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 491.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 cover E491 and its specifications.
- FDA 21 CFR 172.842 sets US identity and use conditions.
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 who want to understand texture and mixing ingredients
Goodnessly rates E491 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Sorbitan monostearate
- 491 or E491
- Emulsifier (491)
- Sorbitan ester
Look for sorbitan monostearate, E491/491 or the functional class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E491?
E491 is sorbitan monostearate, an emulsifier used in selected food formulations.
Is E491 permitted?
E491 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and use conditions still matter.
Why is sorbitan monostearate rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice emulsifiers and the wider formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E491?
Goodnessly rates E491 (sorbitan monostearate) 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