Benefits and Standards of monoestearato de sorbitán

Sorbitan Monostearate (Monoestearato de sorbitano, European food additive code, E491)  is a food additive used in many food products, such as breakfast cereals and granola bars. It is used to improve the texture, stability, and shelf life of certain foods. It also helps prevent food from becoming sticky or clumping together.

Monoestearato de sorbitano is associated with several potential health benefits for those who consume it regularly. Some studies suggest that this ingredient may help reduce weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. According to these studies, mice fed dehydrated Monostearate de Sorbitane gained less body fat compared to those fed the same diet but without Monoestearato de sorbitano. However, more research is needed before any conclusions can be made about its ability to prevent human obesity.

▇ Monoestearato de sorbitano and the European Food Safety Authority

Under Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Sorbitan Monostearate (Monostearate de Sorbitane )(E491) is listed as an authorized food additive and is classified as an "additive other than colorants or sweeteners". In 1974, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) revised the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) from the Food Science Committee (SCF) to 25 mg/kg body weight per day, and established a group ADI for Sorbitan esters (represented by Sorbitan) at 10 mg/kg body weight/day, with 26 mg/kg body weight for dehydrated Sorbitan Monostearate Monostearate de Sorbitane.

To help you quickly choose a model, the following is a comparison table of the core parameters of the Sorbitan esters.

(A comparison table of the core parameters of the Sorbitan esters.)

Approved Uses: Monoestearato de sorbitano, along with other Sorbitan esters such as Sorbitan tristearate (E492), Sorbitan monolaurate (E493), Sorbitan monooleate (E494), and Sorbitan monopalmitate (E495), is included in the list of applications, with a maximum usage level of “5000-10000 mg/kg". However, the usage levels for dry yeast and baking yeast are considered "satisfactory".

Foods that may contain it include flavored fermented dairy products, beverage whiteners, fat and oil emulsions, candies, chewing gum, decorations, coatings and fillings, refined baked goods, emulsified sauces, and desserts.

▇ Is Monoestearato de sorbitano Natural?

No, Monoestearato de sorbitano is not a naturally occurring compound. It is a synthetic emulsifier made from stearic acid and sorbitol, both of which are derived from plants.

▇ Common FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What exactly is the relationship between Sorbitan Monostearate 60(span 60) and Polysorbate 60(Tween 60)? Why are they often used together?

A: They are a "golden pair" and are chemically like "close brothers." Monoestearato de sorbitano is lipophilic (HLB 4.7). Polysorbate 60 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate) is a product of SP60 after being modified by "ethoxylation," making it hydrophilic (HLB 14.9).

Using it alone is often difficult to achieve perfect emulsification. By blending (for example, mixing SP60 and Polysorbate 60 in proportion), you can precisely adjust any HLB value you need, thereby perfectly matching your oil phase system and achieving ultimate stability of the emulsion.

Q2: Its HLB value is 4.7. What does this mean in actual formulations?

A: An HLB of 4.7 means it is a typical water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier. In simple terms, it can tightly encapsulate water droplets in oil. It is the preferred choice for making margarine, cold creams, and waterproof cosmetics. In these systems, it can form a dense interfacial film to prevent water droplets from coalescing, ensuring that the product does not separate or break during its shelf life.

Q3: Can it be used in high-temperature processing environments? How stable is it?

A: Absolutely, it is very stable. As a non-ionic surfactant, Monoestearato de sorbitano is not sensitive to acids, alkalis, or salts. It remains stable below 180°C, making it very suitable for food and industrial applications that require high-temperature sterilization (such as UHT dairy products) or high-temperature baking.

HUANA(Sorbitan Monostearate,E491)

Huana Chemical offers Sorbitan Monostearate, E491. Since 1993, our products have been distributed in over 70 countries. Our Span 60 can meet the requirements for food-grade, cosmetic-grade, feed-grade, and industrial applications.

Product Specifications:

- Appearance: White granular solid

- Purity: ≥95% (food grade)

- HLB value: 4.7

- Melting point: 50–52°C

- Acid value: ≤10 mg KOH/g

- Saponification value: 147–157 mg KOH/g

- Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper bag

Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO45001, ISO14001, Halal, Kosher

We provide free samples, with a minimum order quantity of 25 kg, offer complete technical documentation (COA, TDS, MSDS), and ship within n days after order confirmation. Welcome to contact us!