Additive · Emulsifier

E491 — Sorbitan monostearate

E491 (Sorbitan monostearate) appears in the ingredient lists of 21 products sold in India. Function: emulsifier.

21products with a complete record
6%rated A or B on Nutri-Score
22.8 gsugars per 100 g (median)
0.37 gsalt per 100 g (median)

Nutri-Score

How rated products spread
A 6%B 0%C 13%D 31%E 50%

16 rated products

Median values

Per 100 g, across all 21 products
Energy417 kcal
Sugars22.8 g
Saturates9.0 g
Salt0.37 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)

Products containing it, by country

Products listing this additive in each country edition of Shelfpedia (Open Food Facts data)