Yes — plant-derived E471 is common. But you often cannot tell from the label alone.

Is E471 in bread vegan?

Often plant-derived in commercial bread, but not guaranteed. Check with the bakery or choose certified vegan bread.

What's the difference between E471 and E472?

Both are emulsifiers from fatty acids. E472 uses acetic acid; both can have plant or animal sources.

Is E471 Vegan?

Confidence: 60% · Low

May Be Vegan

Check source for Mono- and Diglycerides

May be vegan, but sourcing or formulation creates uncertainty.

Detailed answer

It can be vegan, but the source is usually not listed. E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) may be made from plant oils or animal fats.

Is E471 vegan?

E471 is not consistently vegan or non-vegan. Mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers that can be synthesized from plant oils (soy, palm, rapeseed) or animal fats (beef tallow, lard). Food labels in most countries do not require manufacturers to declare which.

What is E471 used for?

E471 helps blend ingredients that would otherwise separate — water and fat. It appears in bread, margarine, ice cream, baked goods, and many processed foods to improve texture and shelf life.

Why E471 creates uncertainty

Same E-number, different sources between manufacturers
Source is rarely printed on packaging
Both plant and animal production routes are commercially used
Vegan-certified products must use plant-derived E471

How to handle E471 as a vegan

Choose products with vegan certification when E471 is present.
Contact the manufacturer and ask about fatty acid source.
Prefer products that list 'plant-based emulsifier' or specify vegetable mono- and diglycerides.
Use our ingredient detector on the full label for other animal ingredients.

E471 at a glance

Vegan status: May be vegan — source varies
Function: Emulsifier
Plant sources: Soy, palm, rapeseed oils
Animal sources: Beef tallow, lard (possible)
Label declares source?: Usually no

Found E471 on a label? Analyze the full ingredient list

Frequently asked questions

Can E471 be vegan?: Yes — plant-derived E471 is common. But you often cannot tell from the label alone.
Is E471 in bread vegan?: Often plant-derived in commercial bread, but not guaranteed. Check with the bakery or choose certified vegan bread.
What's the difference between E471 and E472?: Both are emulsifiers from fatty acids. E472 uses acetic acid; both can have plant or animal sources.

Evidence

Last verified August 2026

E472 Lecithin (E322)E-Number Guide

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Checked by Is This Vegan? · August 2026