Ingredient Information

Function

Sorbitan monostearate is an emulsifier used in cake mixes, candies, pudding, cake fillings, coffee creamers, whipped oil products and icings. In particular, sorbitan monostearate is used to prevent chocolate from developing an unattractive color when it is repeatedly heated and cooled. Sorbitan monostearate also improves the gloss or shine of chocolate products. It is also approved for use in a protective wax that coats fresh fruits and vegetables.

Other Use and Industries

This emulsifier is also used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, metallurgy, and agricultural industries to aid in mixing oil and water products.

Health Effects

Sorbitan monostearate is considered very safe. There are no known side effects and no lethal dose listed. Even so, only very small amounts of this emulsifier are needed to achieve the desired effect, resulting in very low overall intake of this additive.

There are no medical concerns associated with sorbitan monstearate and preexisting medical conditions.

Origins

Sorbitan monostearate is a synthetic additive that is similar to fat in structure. It is produced chemically from a fat base; one side of the chemical has a structure similar to sorbitol, the sugar alcohol used in many sugar-free gums, and the other side has stearic acid, a type of saturated fat found naturally in many plants.