INS 471 / E471EmulsifierSource-dependent

Mono- and Diglycerides (INS 471)

TL;DR

INS 471 is a family of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, used as emulsifiers. They help oil and water mix smoothly so the texture of bread, biscuits, ice cream, and chocolate stays uniform instead of separating or going grainy. Veg status depends on the source the manufacturer uses and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.

Quick Facts

INS Number
471
E-Number
E471
Category
Emulsifier
Veg Status
Source-dependent
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (1973)
Composition
Not a single compound. INS 471 is a mixture of mono- and diglycerides where each glycerol molecule carries one or two long-chain fatty acids. The fatty-acid mix depends on the source oil (palm, soy, sunflower, beef tallow, etc.), so the same INS number can describe slightly different products from different brands.

What is INS 471?

INS 471 is a family of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, used as emulsifiers. They help oil and water mix smoothly so the texture of bread, biscuits, ice cream, and chocolate stays uniform instead of separating or going grainy.

Why brands add it

Brands add it because it keeps soft loaves soft for longer, stops fat blooming on chocolate, and gives ice cream a creamier mouthfeel. It is one of the most common emulsifiers on Indian bakery and confectionery packs.

Where you'll find it

INS 471 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:

  • bread and buns
  • biscuits
  • ice cream
  • margarine and spreads
  • chocolate
  • cake mixes
  • instant noodles

Veg or non-veg? - Source-dependent

INS 471 is made from fats and oils, which can be plant-based (palm, soy, sunflower, coconut) or animal-based (beef tallow, lard). Indian manufacturers typically use vegetable oils, but the pack rarely specifies the source. The Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the package is the practical signal: a green dot means the brand has declared a non-animal source. If you are strict vegetarian, jain, or vegan and the green dot is absent, contact the brand to confirm.

FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation

FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as an emulsifier and stabiliser for specified food categories under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011, with category-specific upper limits.

JECFA: ADI 'not limited' established by JECFA in 1973, the modern equivalent of 'not specified'. EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation also concluded there was no need for a numerical ADI at typical use levels.

Also known as

On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 471 is also called:

471ins 471e471e 471mono and diglyceridesmonoglyceridesdiglyceridesmono- and diglyceridesmono- and diglycerides of fatty acidsglyceryl monostearategmsfatty acid esters

Frequently Asked Questions

Is INS 471 vegetarian?+
Source-dependent. INS 471 is made from fats and oils, which can be plant-based (palm, soy, sunflower, coconut) or animal-based (beef tallow, lard). Indian manufacturers typically use vegetable oils, but the pack rarely specifies the source. The Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the package is the practical signal: a green dot means the brand has declared a non-animal source. If you are strict vegetarian, jain, or vegan and the green dot is absent, contact the brand to confirm.
Is INS 471 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI as an emulsifier and stabiliser for specified food categories under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011, with category-specific upper limits.
What is INS 471 used for?+
Brands add it because it keeps soft loaves soft for longer, stops fat blooming on chocolate, and gives ice cream a creamier mouthfeel. It is one of the most common emulsifiers on Indian bakery and confectionery packs.
Is INS 471 (also written as E471) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 471 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E471 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (mono- and diglycerides).

Sources

Last verified: 2026-04-29.

Regulatory status, not medical advice
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.

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