E475 is worth understanding as a slightly harder case than its neighbours. Most emulsifier codes resolve to one question. This one resolves to two.
How E475 is made
Glycerol molecules are linked together to form a polyglycerol chain, and fatty acids are then attached to that chain. The result is a strong emulsifier that is particularly good at building and holding foam, which is why it turns up wherever a product needs to be light and to stay light.
Two source questions, not one
For most codes in this family, the glycerol side is not discussed much and attention goes to the fatty acid. E475 deserves both.
- The fatty acid: produced from vegetable oils or from rendered animal fat, the same question raised by E471 and E470.
- The glycerol: commercial glycerol is recovered during fat and oil processing and from biodiesel production, and it too can trace back to plant or animal fat. The glycerin guide covers this in full.
A manufacturer answer that covers only one half leaves the other open, which is worth keeping in mind when you read a reply.
A reply confirming plant based fatty acids does not confirm the glycerol, and the reverse is equally true.
E475 and E476
These two are easy to mix up. E476 is polyglycerol polyricinoleate, usually shortened to PGPR, and it is made using ricinoleic acid from castor oil. That gives it a more consistently plant based origin, as the E476 guide explains. E475 uses general fatty acids and therefore needs the wider check.
Where you will find it
- Cakes and cake mixes: building volume and a fine crumb.
- Whipped toppings: stabilising the foam.
- Aerated desserts: mousses and similar products.
- Confectionery: in some chocolate and filled products.
The halal E number checker will flag it alongside the other emulsifiers on the same label.
What to ask the manufacturer
Please confirm the origin of both the glycerol and the fatty acids used in the E475 emulsifier in this product. Are they derived from vegetable oil or animal fat, and if animal, from which species?
Frequently asked questions
Is E475 halal?
E475 can be halal. Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids are made from glycerol and fatty acids, and both of those can be produced from plant oils or animal fats. The E number does not record which route was used.
What is E475 used for?
It is an emulsifier used to give volume and a fine texture in cakes, whipped toppings, and aerated desserts. It also appears in some chocolate and confectionery products.
Why does E475 have two source questions?
Most emulsifiers in this family raise a question about the fatty acid alone. E475 also has a glycerol backbone, and commercial glycerol is a by-product of fat processing that can come from either plant or animal fat.
Is E475 the same as E476?
No. E476 is polyglycerol polyricinoleate, made using castor oil, which gives it a more consistently plant based origin. E475 uses general fatty acids, so it needs the broader check.
Where is E475 most common?
Cake mixes, ready-made cakes, whipped and aerated toppings, and some ice cream and confectionery products, wherever a stable foam is needed.
Does a vegan label answer E475?
A vegan claim addresses animal ingredients and so covers both the glycerol and the fatty acid. It still is not halal certification, which additionally considers processing aids and manufacturing controls.