Artificial emulsifiers are used to hold together oil- and water-based mixtures. They are commonly used in mayonnaise, baked goods, low-fat spreads, margarine, salad dressing and ice cream to create a smooth consistency. However, studies have suggested a potential relationship between certain emulsifiers and an increase in harmful gut bacteria. Research also points to a connection between these compounds and increased gut inflammation, higher rates of irritable bowel disease and other issues. Plus, some foods that are higher in artificial emulsifiers tend to have poorer nutrition quality.
While further research is being conducted, we’ve put artificial emulsifiers on our banned ingredients list.
Where You Might Find Them
Citrus-flavored beverages, chewing gum, margarine, cream, infant formula, pudding, candy and gelatin are just some of the items that may contain emulsifiers.
Banned Artificial Emulsifiers
- Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin (GEWR)/Ester Gum – E445
- Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
- Lactylated Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides
- Sucroglycerides – E474
- Hexa-, Hepta-, Octa-Esters of Sucrose/Sucrose Esters – E473
- Acetylated Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides
- Polysorbate 60, 65 and 80
- Microparticularized Whey Protein
- Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Ester of Mono- and DiGlycerides (DATEM)
- Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate (SSL) (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate)
- Propylene Glycol (PG) (Propane-1, Polypropylene Glycol) – E1520