Additive · Emulsifier

E491 — Sorbitan monostearate · page 2

E491 (Sorbitan monostearate) appears in the ingredient lists of 55 products sold in the United Kingdom. Function: emulsifier.

55products with a complete record

5%rated A or B on Nutri-Score

36.5 gsugars per 100 g (median)

0.39 gsalt per 100 g (median)

Nutri-Score

How rated products spread

CDE

A 3%B 3%C 8%D 18%E 70%

40 rated products

Median values

Per 100 g, across all 55 products

Energy	411 kcal
Sugars	36.5 g
Saturates	6.1 g
Salt	0.39 g

Status in the United States (FDA)

Listed in the FDA inventory “Substances Added to Food”, with the regulations 21 CFR 73.1001, 172.515, 172.836, 172.838, 172.840, 172.842, 173.310, 173.340.

Technical effects listed by the FDA: emulsifier or emulsifier salt, flavoring agent or adjuvant, processing aid, solvent or vehicle, stabilizer or thickener, surface-active agent, surface-finishing agent

The inventory is a partial list, and a listing is not an FDA approval of every use; the regulations set the permitted uses.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Substances Added to Food (updated 9/8/2026), public domain · CAS 1338-41-6 via Wikidata (CC0)