Emulsifiers
AdditiveOverview
Substances that help mix ingredients that normally don't combine well, like oil and water, essential for creating stable textures in processed foods.
453,182
Products contain this
9,364
Ingredient variations
Common forms
Lecithin, mono- and diglycerides, polysorbates, DATEM
Function
Stabilize oil-water mixtures, prevent ingredient separation, improve texture and mouthfeel, extend shelf life, and enhance volume in baked goods.
Sources
Derived from plant sources (lecithin from soy or sunflower), animal fats (mono- and diglycerides), seaweed extracts (carrageenan), or synthetic production.
Health Considerations
Recent studies suggest some emulsifiers may disrupt gut microbiome balance and increase intestinal permeability. Certain types linked to inflammatory responses in sensitive individuals.
Regulatory
FDA approved as food additives or GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). EU has stricter regulations on certain emulsifiers with maximum usage levels defined.
Common Variations (50 total)
Products Containing Emulsifiers
Showing 12 of 453,182 products, sorted by processing level