E473 — Sucrose esters of fatty acids

Needs verification

E473 (Sucrose esters of fatty acids) needs verification. Sugar joined to fatty acids, used as an emulsifier.

Why it needs verification

The fatty acid may be animal-derived.

Where you meet it

Bakery goods, coffee drinks, fruit coatings.

What to do in the shop

Look for a product that names the source, says plant-based or vegan, or carries a halal certificate. If nothing on the packet settles it, the manufacturer can tell you, and their answer is the only thing that turns E473 from a question into an answer.

A status here describes the additive in general — a specific product can be different. The same number can be made from plant or animal material depending on the manufacturer, and the label does not say which.

Questions people ask

Is E473 halal?

E473 (Sucrose esters of fatty acids) needs verification. The fatty acid may be animal-derived.

How do I know if the E473 in a product is halal?

Only the manufacturer can tell you which source they used, unless the packet says plant-based, vegan, or carries a halal certificate.

Related additives

E472a — Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides · Needs verification
E472b — Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides · Needs verification
E472c — Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides · Needs verification

See all E-numbers →

Check a product, not just a number

An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.

This is information, not a fatwa. These statuses combine published scholarly positions with ingredient analysis, and they can be incomplete or out of date. For anything that matters, confirm with the manufacturer and with a qualified authority.