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Mono- and diglycerides

Mono- and diglycerides suppliers and sourcing guide

Mono- and diglycerides are partial esters of glycerin with fatty acids, made by reacting glycerin with fats or oils (glycerolysis) or with fatty acids using an alkaline catalyst. The usual source oils are palm, soybean, sunflower or rapeseed, often hydrogenated. The mixture can be molecularly distilled to make distilled monoglycerides with 90% or more monoester, and is sold as beads, flakes, powder or plastic paste.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
E471 · mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids · glyceryl monostearate · GMS · distilled monoglycerides
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of mono- and diglycerides

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Mono- and diglycerides (about 40 to 60% mono)

    Undistilled mixtures used in shortenings, margarine and baked goods.

  • Distilled monoglycerides

    Molecularly distilled to 90% or more monoester; stronger emulsifier, used in bread, ice cream and whipped toppings.

  • Saturated vs. unsaturated

    Saturated (stearic or palmitic) grades are solid beads; unsaturated (oleic) grades are soft or liquid.

  • Source oil

    Palm (often RSPO-certified), soy, sunflower or rapeseed; the source matters for allergen, kosher, halal and vegan claims.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Monoester content
Total monoglycerides by gas chromatography or periodic acid oxidation (AOCS method).
Free glycerin and free fatty acid
By titration or GC, against the FCC limits.
Iodine value
Degree of unsaturation by Wijs titration; separates saturated from unsaturated grades.
Acid value and saponification value
Titration checks on composition.
Melting point and heavy metals
Drop or slip melting point; lead and other metals by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store mono- and diglycerides sealed, cool and dry, away from heat, which can make beads or flakes fuse. Unsaturated grades oxidize more easily and should be kept away from light and air. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record monoester content, iodine value and the source oil per lot; switching source oil can change both performance and label claims. Check bread volume or ice cream texture on lot changes for distilled grades.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Mono- and diglycerides suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking mono- and diglycerides suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of mono- and diglycerides can brands buy?

Common forms include mono- and diglycerides (about 40 to 60% mono), distilled monoglycerides, saturated vs. unsaturated and source oil. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for mono- and diglycerides include?

Expect monoester content, free glycerin and free fatty acid, iodine value, acid value and saponification value and melting point and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should mono- and diglycerides be stored?

Store mono- and diglycerides sealed, cool and dry, away from heat, which can make beads or flakes fuse. Unsaturated grades oxidize more easily and should be kept away from light and air. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.

What is the regulatory status of mono- and diglycerides?

21 CFR 184.1505 affirms mono- and diglycerides as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct human food ingredient, describing a mixture with at least 90 percent-by-weight glycerides. 7 CFR 205.605(b) allows mono- and diglycerides as a synthetic substance in products labeled organic for use only in drum drying of food. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes mono- and diglycerides.

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