Comparing E433 - Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate vs E492 - Sorbitan tristearate

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Overview

E433 - Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate

Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (E433), better known as polysorbate 80, is an emulsifier that helps oil and water mix smoothly. It keeps sauces from separating, improves the texture of ice cream, and stabilizes flavor emulsions in drinks. Regulators in the U.S. and EU allow its use within set limits.

E492 - Sorbitan tristearate

Sorbitan tristearate (E492) is a food additive used to help oil and water mix and stay mixed. It gives smoother textures and more stable foams and creams in many foods. It is widely used as an emulsifier and stabiliser in the EU.

Synonyms

E433

Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate

Polysorbate 80

E492

Sorbitan tristearate

Functions

emulsifier stabilizer

Origins

Products

Found in 5,529 products

Found in 447 products

Search rank & volume

#10818.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#332420 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.48

under-aware

×0.15

under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is polysorbate 80 safe?
Yes—at approved levels it’s considered safe by regulators such as the FDA and EFSA, which set an ADI of 0–25 mg/kg body weight/day. Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, and very high doses may cause gastrointestinal upset.
What is polysorbate 80 used for?
It’s an emulsifier and stabilizer that helps oil and water mix, prevents separation, and improves texture. In foods it stabilizes flavors and colors and improves whipping and melt resistance in products like ice cream.
Is polysorbate 80 bad for you?
Not at typical food-use levels: it’s permitted with safety limits and isn’t linked to harm for the general population. Some people may be sensitive, and effects seen in animals at high doses are well above normal dietary exposure.
Is polysorbate 80 natural?
No. It’s a synthetic ingredient made from sorbitan (from sorbitol) reacted with ethylene oxide and oleic acid that can be sourced from plants or animals.
What foods contain polysorbate 80?
It’s commonly found in ice cream and other frozen desserts, salad dressings and sauces, flavored beverages and coffee creamers, whipped toppings, and some bakery mixes, icings, and confectionery.