Is mono- and diglycerides of fatty acid e471 vegan?

Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, designated by the code E471, are food additives used primarily as emulsifiers to blend substances that normally do not mix, such as oil and water. They are produced by reacting glycerol with triglycerides obtained from natural fats and oils. Food manufacturers widely add E471 to commercial baked goods, margarine, ice cream, whipped toppings, chewing gum, and packaged snacks to improve texture, stabilize mixtures, and extend shelf life.

this additive is possibly vegan because the raw fats used in its production can come from either plant or animal sources. Plant-derived versions are typically manufactured from vegetable oils such as soybean, palm, sunflower, or rapeseed oil. Animal-derived versions are made from animal fats such as lard or tallow, which are rendered from pigs or cattle. Food labels rarely declare whether the fatty acids are vegetable or animal in origin. Unless the packaging carries a clear vegan certification, contacting the manufacturer directly is necessary to confirm the source of E471 in a specific product.