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E483 Sorbitan Tristearate – Food Emulsifier Explained

E483 (Sorbitan Tristearate) is an approved food emulsifier used in baked goods and chocolate to blend fats and water, improving texture and shelf life.

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Things worth knowing about "E483"

E483 (Sorbitan Tristearate) is an approved food emulsifier used in baked goods and chocolate to blend fats and water, improving texture and shelf life.

What is E483 (Sorbitan Tristearate)?

E483, commonly known as Sorbitan Tristearate, is a synthetic food emulsifier belonging to the group of sorbitan fatty acid esters. It is produced by esterifying sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) with stearic acid (a saturated fatty acid). In the food industry, E483 is used to improve the texture and stability of products by facilitating the blending of water and oil or fat.

Production and Chemical Properties

Sorbitan Tristearate is created through a chemical reaction between sorbitol and stearic acid, in which three stearic acid molecules are bound to one sorbitol molecule. The result is a waxy, cream-coloured solid that possesses both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (fat-attracting) properties. This so-called amphiphilic structure makes E483 an effective emulsifier.

Use in Food Products

E483 is used across a wide range of food products:

Baked goods: Improves dough consistency and extends shelf life
Chocolate and confectionery: Prevents fat bloom (undesirable white streaks or coating on the surface)
Margarines and spreads: Stabilises the emulsion
Chewing gum: Improves chewing texture
Whipped cream and desserts: Supports foam formation and stability

Permitted Quantities and Legal Regulations

In the European Union, E483 is classified as a permitted emulsifier under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. The permitted usage levels vary by food category and have been assessed by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). A specific ADI value (Acceptable Daily Intake) has not been established by the EFSA, as safety at typical consumption levels is considered adequate.

Safety and Tolerability

E483 is considered safe when used as intended. The EFSA has generally assessed sorbitan esters as non-hazardous. However, there are some points worth noting:

At very high intake levels, E483 may in rare cases cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Individuals with a known sensitivity to sorbitol or stearic acid should remain attentive.
E483 is not classified as an allergen or carcinogen.
The additive is generally suitable for vegans when the stearic acid used is of plant origin; however, animal-derived sources are also possible.

Labelling and Identification

In food ingredient lists, E483 appears either under the code E483 or the name Sorbitan Tristearate. Consumers who monitor specific food additives should read ingredient labels carefully.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of sorbitan monostearate (E 491), sorbitan tristearate (E 492), sorbitan monolaurate (E 493), sorbitan monooleate (E 494) and sorbitan monopalmitate (E 495) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2020.
European Parliament and Council of the European Union: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
Burdock, G.A.: Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press, 2010.

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