Is e484 vegan?

E484 is the E-number for stearyl citrate, a food additive that functions primarily as an emulsifier, sequestrant, and antioxidant synergist. It is produced through the chemical reaction of citric acid with stearyl alcohol, which is derived from stearic acid. This substance is often used in margarines, shortenings, baked goods, and confectionery items to stabilize fats and prevent oxidation.

E484 is possibly vegan because its components can come from plant or animal sources. While citric acid is typically produced through microbial fermentation, stearic acid can be obtained from plant fats such as palm or coconut oil, or from animal fats like beef tallow. Ingredient labels generally do not specify whether the fatty acids were sourced from plants or animals. A vegan certification on the packaging or direct confirmation from the manufacturer is required to verify that the E484 used in a product is vegan.