Sorbitan monopalmitate
Function: Emulsifier
E495 is the European food-additive number for Sorbitan monopalmitate, an emulsifier — helps ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water, stay mixed. Sorbitan monopalmitate (E495) is an emulsifier used as a food additive.
What is E495 used for?
Sorbitan monopalmitate (E495) is an emulsifier — helps ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water, stay mixed. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.
Is E495 safe or restricted?
E495 is approved for use in the EU but has drawn regulatory attention — its conditions of use or acceptable daily intake have been re-examined by EFSA or equivalent bodies. Forkin classifies it as “Regulatory attention” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.
Frequently asked questions about E495
- What is E495?
- E495 is the E-number for Sorbitan monopalmitate, an emulsifier — helps ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water, stay mixed. Sorbitan monopalmitate (E495) is an emulsifier used as a food additive.
- What is E495 used for?
- Sorbitan monopalmitate (E495) is an emulsifier — helps ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water, stay mixed. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.
- Is E495 vegan or vegetarian?
- It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.
- Is E495 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E495 is approved for use in the EU but has drawn regulatory attention — its conditions of use or acceptable daily intake have been re-examined by EFSA or equivalent bodies. Forkin classifies it as "Regulatory attention" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.
See the full profile in Forkin
The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E495 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.