Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Polysorbate 60 vegan?
Also known as: E435, Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate
E-number: E435
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Source can be plant or animal.
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It depends — It is created by reacting sorbitol with ethylene oxide and stearic acid.
01 · The basics
What is Polysorbate 60?
A synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, heavily used in baked goods to increase volume and softness.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
It is created by reacting sorbitol with ethylene oxide and stearic acid. The stearic acid can be derived from plants (palm/soy) or from animal fats (pork/beef).
03 · Alternatives
Best vegan alternatives
Sunflower lecithin
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Frequently asked
FAQ
If a product says 'non-dairy' and has Polysorbate 60, is it vegan?
Not necessarily. 'Non-dairy' just means no milk lactose, but the stearic acid in the polysorbate could still be derived from beef or pork fat. You must check with the manufacturer.
Is Polysorbate 60 safe?
It is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, though it is highly processed and typical of ultra-processed food formulations.
Commonly found in
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Other emulsifier ingredients
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin)
A sweet, syrupy liquid used as a humectant in foods and cosmetics.
E471 (Mono- and diglycerides)
A common emulsifier used in baked goods, ice cream, and margarine.
E481 (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate)
An emulsifier used to improve the texture of baked goods.
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Related ingredients
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin)
A sweet, syrupy liquid used as a humectant in foods and cosmetics.
E920 (L-Cysteine)
A dough conditioner used in commercial bread baking.
Calcium Carbonate
A common mineral used as a white food coloring, an anti-caking agent, and a calcium supplement.
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