Apimar Foods (EN) › Emulsifiers › E471
Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) are the most widely used emulsifier in the food industry. They are made by reacting vegetable or animal fats with glycerol. Each molecule has a water-binding and a fat-binding part, so it sits at the boundary between the two phases and keeps them from separating. Apimar Foods is an EU-based supplier from Poland, delivering E471 to bakeries, confectioners and dairy and ice cream producers across Europe.
Technical data
| Parameter | Value |
| E number | E471 |
| Raw materials | vegetable or animal oils and fats, glycerol |
| Grades | standard (approx. 40–60% monoglycerides) and distilled (above 90%) |
| Form | powder, flakes, beads, paste |
| Typical dosage | 0.2–1% depending on the application |
| Solubility in water | insoluble – disperse, or dissolve in the fat phase |
| Main function | emulsifying; in bakery also anti-staling |
Standard or distilled E471
The two grades do the same job at different strength. The choice usually comes down to dosage, cost per effect and how demanding the process is.
| Criterion | Standard (40–60% mono) | Distilled (90%+ mono) |
| Emulsifying power per kg | moderate | high |
| Typical dosage | higher | lower |
| Anti-staling effect in bread | good | strongest |
| Aeration in creams and ice cream | good | very good |
| When to choose | cost-sensitive recipes, standard bakery | industrial bread, long shelf life, aerated products |
If you need dough strengthening rather than softness, look at DATEM and other E472 esters.
Applications
- Bread and bakery products – softer crumb, delayed staling
- Cakes and sponge products – better volume and structure
- Ice cream – smoother texture, controlled fat destabilisation
- Margarines and spreads – stable water-in-oil emulsions
- Whipped toppings and creams – aeration and stability
- Confectionery and chewing gum
Technical notes
E471 does not dissolve in water. The most reliable way to introduce it is to melt it into the fat phase, or to use a pre-hydrated paste or a powder designed for direct dispersion.
In bread, monoglycerides form complexes with amylose, which slows starch retrogradation – this is what keeps the crumb soft for longer.
Distilled grades give the same effect at a lower dosage, which often makes them cheaper per unit of effect despite the higher price per kilo.
The source of fat matters for vegan, halal or kosher products and for palm-free claims. Please state your requirement in the inquiry so we can confirm the right grade and documentation.
Labelling and EU regulations
In the list of ingredients E471 is declared as „emulsifier (E471)” or „emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids)”.
E471 is an authorised food additive in the EU. Conditions of use for your product category are set out in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 – we will provide the specification needed to check compliance.
Supply and documentation
- Samples for recipe trials before the first order
- Specification, certificate of analysis (CoA) for each batch, allergen and GMO statements
- Safety data sheet where applicable
- From single pallets to full truckloads – quantities, packaging and delivery terms (Incoterms) are confirmed in each quotation
- Deliveries to customers in Poland and across Europe
Request a quote or a sample. Tell us the ingredient, the estimated volume and your application – we reply with a proposal, specification and price within one business day. Send an inquiry →
Frequently asked questions
Is your E471 of vegetable origin?
Both vegetable and animal-origin grades exist. Tell us your requirement – for example vegetable-only or palm-free – and we will confirm availability and documentation.
What is the difference between standard and distilled E471?
The monoglyceride content: around 40–60% in standard grades and above 90% in distilled ones. Distilled grades work at a lower dosage.
Which form should I choose?
Powder and beads are easiest to dose in dry mixes, flakes and paste in fat-based processes. We can send samples of different forms for a trial.
Can you deliver outside Poland?
Yes. We supply customers across Europe; delivery terms are confirmed in each quotation.
Related ingredients
- Fatty acid esters (E472) – DATEM, lactic and citric esters, PGPR
- All emulsifiers – lecithin, E471, E472 and more
- Stabilisers and thickeners – often used together with E471 in ice cream and creams
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