E471 DISTILLED MONOGLYCERIDE DMG

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is a highly purified nonionic food emulsifier produced by the glycerolysis of edible vegetable oils or animal fats at 220–260°C in the presence of an alkaline catalyst followed by short-path molecular distillation under high vacuum (<0.001 mbar) at 180–220°C to concentrate the monoglyceride content to over 90%, yielding a white to off-white, odorless, and tasteless waxy powder, beads, or flakes that is dispersible in hot water, soluble in ethanol and hot fats and oils, with an HLB value of 3.8–5.3 and a melting point of 60–70°C.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG functions simultaneously as an emulsifier, stabilizer, anti-staling agent, foam stabilizer, crystal modifier, and defoaming agent in food processing, forming stable oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, complexing with amylose starch to prevent retrogradation and extend shelf life of baked goods, controlling fat crystallization in margarine and shortening, and stabilizing aerated structures in cakes, whipped creams, and ice cream.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is the most widely applied food emulsifier globally — approximately 60% of all E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG produced is used for baked goods — approved under E number E471 in the European Union, classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US FDA, evaluated by JECFA with an ADI of "not limited", and certified for use in food processing in Kosher, Halal, and non-GMO vegetable oil-based grades.

CAS Number: 123-94-4 (glycerol monostearate); 31566-31-1 (distilled monoglyceride mixture); 11099-07-3
EC Number (EINECS): 204-664-4
Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₄₂O₄
Molecular Weight: 358.56 g/mol

Synonyms: Distilled Monoglyceride, DMG, GMS 90, GMS 95, GMS 99, Glycerol Monostearate, Glyceryl Monostearate, Glycerin Monostearate, Stearic Acid Monoglyceride, Monostearin, Stearic Acid Glycerol Monoester, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, E471, INS 471, Emulsifier E471, DMG E471, GMS E471, Distilled Glycerin Monostearate, Distilled Monoglyceride 90, DMG 95%, Glycerol Monostearate 90, GMS 90/DMG, CAS 123-94-4, CAS 31566-31-1

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is chemically a monoester of glycerol and stearic acid (or other C16–C18 fatty acids), in which one fatty acid chain is esterified to one of the three hydroxyl groups of the glycerol backbone, with the other two hydroxyl groups remaining free; this amphiphilic molecular structure — with a hydrophilic glycerol headgroup and a lipophilic fatty acid tail — gives E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG its surface-active, emulsifying, and interfacial behavior.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG with a distilled monoglyceride content of ≥90–95% is far more effective as an emulsifier than non-distilled crude mono- and diglyceride esters (which contain only 40–60% monoglycerides), with the emulsifying ability of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG reported to be 3–4 times higher than that of crude esters, justifying the additional molecular distillation step in its production.

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG naturally occurs in the human body as a byproduct of fat metabolism and is found in small quantities in natural fatty foods; it is metabolized as part of normal lipid digestion, with no toxicological concerns at typical food use levels; JECFA has evaluated it and established an ADI of "not limited" due to its metabolic equivalence to natural dietary fats.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG may be derived from vegetable oils (palm oil, palm stearin, soybean oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, grapeseed oil) or animal fats (beef tallow, lard); vegetable-based grades are suitable for vegetarian, vegan-label, Halal, and Kosher-certified applications, while animal-derived grades are not acceptable for these certifications; the Vegan Society flags E471 as potentially animal-based unless vegetable origin is confirmed.

Uses of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in bread and yeast-raised bakery products at 0.3–0.8% of flour weight as a dough conditioner, anti-staling agent, and crumb improver, where it increases dough fermentation stability preventing collapse during transport, complexes with amylose starch to form inclusion complexes that retard starch retrogradation (staling) during storage, improves crumb softness and fineness, increases loaf volume, improves gas retention, and prevents blister formation on the crust surface.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in cakes, muffins, and sponge products at 0.5% of formula or 3–10% of oil weight as a foam stabilizer and volume improver, where it stabilizes the air-water interfacial film in whipped batter, stabilizes foam during baking, improves overrun and volume, creates a finer and more uniform crumb structure, reduces crumb hardness over storage time, and extends the freshness and shelf life of the finished cake.

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in biscuits, crackers, and cookies at 1.5–2% of oil content to improve dough processing properties, prevent fat separation and oil bleeding during and after baking, improve crumb crispness and uniformity, improve release from molds and cutting equipment, and enable better and more uniform fat distribution in the dough.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in instant noodles, pasta products, and extrusion snacks at 0.1–0.2% of flour weight to reduce oil absorption into the noodle during frying, minimize cooking loss during boiling, improve surface smoothness, reduce stickiness after cooking, and in extruded products to increase the expansion rate, improve uniformity of crumb structure, and reduce loss from cracking and breakage.

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in ice cream and frozen desserts at 0.1–0.2% of total formula to control fat destabilization (partial fat agglomeration) at the oil-water interface during freezing and whipping, improve overrun (air incorporation), reduce the formation of large ice crystals, enhance the smooth and creamy mouthfeel, improve shape retention (heat shock stability), and maintain product quality during frozen storage and temperature fluctuations.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in margarine, shortening, and fat-based spreads as an alpha-tending emulsifier that modifies and controls fat crystal morphology, promoting stable beta-prime crystal formation in the fat phase for smooth, uniform texture and plasticity, stabilizing the water-in-oil emulsion to prevent oil-water separation and stratification, and improving the spreadability and mouthfeel of the finished product.

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in confectionery including caramels, toffees, chocolate, chewing gum, and candies at 0.2–2% to prevent fat bloom and oil separation in chocolates, reduce sugar crystallinity and surface crystallization in caramels and toffees, reduce slurry viscosity, improve oil dispersion, enhance surface gloss and fineness, and in chewing gum to improve mastication, soften gum base, facilitate mixing, and increase porosity of the gum matrix particularly for SBR and PVA-based gum bases.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in dairy and protein beverages at 0.05–0.1% to stabilize fat-protein emulsions, prevent oil floating and protein precipitation, improve homogeneity and mouthfeel, and in coffee whiteners and non-dairy creamers to provide a more uniform fat globule size distribution resulting in improved whitening efficiency and dispersion stability.

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in meat products at 0.1–1.0% to assist fat dispersion, improve the binding of water and starch within the meat matrix, prevent starch retrogradation in starch-filled products, and enhance the overall texture, juiciness, and stability of sausages, processed meats, and reformed meat products.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in potato products, peanut butter, and other starch-rich foods as a starch complexing agent to prevent recrystallization of amylose and retrogradation of starch gels during storage, extending the fresh and smooth texture of instant potato products, mashed potatoes, and granular potato products, and improving the oil stability and spreadability of peanut butter.

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used as an edible antifoaming agent at 0.1–1.0% during the processing of soybean products, juices, and beverages to decrease and inhibit foaming during production, processing, and filling operations.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is used in non-food applications including personal care and cosmetic products (skin creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners) as a surfactant, emulsifier, skin conditioner, and texture modifier; in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient and emulsifier in ointments, creams, suppositories, and drug delivery systems; in PVC processing as an internal lubricant and antistatic agent at 0.5–2.0% in PE, PP, and PVC formulations; and as a rust preventive additive in compounded lubricating oils.

Benefits or Advantages of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG provides genuine multifunctional performance in a single additive — emulsification, foam stabilization, starch complexing, crystal modification, and surface activity simultaneously — reducing the total number of additives needed in complex food formulations and simplifying the ingredient declaration.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG produced by molecular distillation achieves a monoglyceride content of ≥90–95%, which is 3–4 times more effective in emulsification than crude mono- and diglyceride esters at 40–60%, meaning significantly lower addition rates of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG are required to achieve equivalent functional performance.

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG has an ADI of "not limited" established by JECFA and is classified GRAS by the US FDA, reflecting its metabolic equivalence to natural dietary fats and the absence of safety concerns at typical food use levels; it is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and has been used safely in food processing for decades.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is compatible with virtually all other food emulsifiers, hydrocolloids, starches, proteins, fats, and food additives commonly used in food formulation, enabling synergistic combinations with SSL, CSL, DATEM, lecithin, carrageenan, and other functional ingredients for enhanced performance.

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is available in vegetable-based, non-GMO, Halal-certified, and Kosher-certified grades derived from palm oil, soybean oil, or sunflower oil, satisfying the requirements of clean-label, plant-based, and certified product formulations.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is heat and acid resistant under typical food processing conditions, retaining its functional properties through baking temperatures, UHT treatment, pasteurization, and acidic pH environments encountered in bakery, dairy, and beverage applications.

Features of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is a white to off-white (ivory, cream, or pale yellow), odorless, tasteless waxy powder, beads, or flakes with a melting point of 60–70°C, density of approximately 0.97 g/cm³, flash point greater than 200°C, HLB value of 3.8–5.3 (lipophilic nonionic emulsifier), saponification value of 150–175 mg KOH/g, and acid value of ≤2–3 mg KOH/g.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is practically insoluble in cold water but dispersible in hot water (above 60°C) to form a stable opaque dispersion, and is soluble in ethanol and hot fats, oils, and grease; for food processing, E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is prepared for use by dispersing it in warm water at approximately 70°C in a 1:6 ratio to form a paste, or by melting at 65–75°C with gentle agitation, or by direct blending with dry flour or fat-phase ingredients.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is classified as a nonionic emulsifier and is not dangerous goods under ADR/RID, IMDG, or IATA transport regulations; it is stored in sealed packaging at cool, dry, and well-ventilated conditions protected from moisture, light, and odorous products, with a shelf life of 24 months; packaging is 25 kg kraft paper bags with a PE moisture-proof inner liner, or 20–25 kg cartons (flakes/beads), or drums (liquid form).

Chemical Properties of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG has the molecular formula C₂₁H₄₂O₄ and molecular weight 358.56 g/mol; it is a 1-monooctadecanoyl glycerol (1-monostearin) when based on stearic acid, an ester of glycerol (propane-1,2,3-triol) in which the sn-1 position hydroxyl is esterified with a C18 fatty acid, leaving the sn-2 and sn-3 hydroxyl groups free.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG forms hydrogen-bonded lamellar, hexagonal, and cubic liquid crystalline phases when hydrated in water above the Krafft temperature, with the specific mesophase depending on temperature, concentration, and fatty acid chain length; the cubic phase particularly contributes to sustained-release behavior in pharmaceutical applications, and the lamellar phase at the starch-water interface is responsible for the amylose complexing and anti-staling functionality in baked goods.

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is chemically stable under normal food processing temperatures (up to approximately 180–200°C for baking and frying), stable to dilute acids and alkalis encountered in normal food pH ranges, and stable to light under normal storage conditions; it may hydrolyze slowly under prolonged strongly alkaline or acidic conditions.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents; thermal decomposition above 200°C may produce glycerol, stearic acid, acrolein (from glycerol dehydration), and fatty acid decomposition products; it does not present fire hazard under normal food processing conditions (flash point >200°C).

Production of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is produced commercially by a two-stage process: first, glycerolysis of edible vegetable oil or fat (typically palm oil, palm stearin, or partially hydrogenated oils) with excess glycerol at 220–260°C in the presence of an alkaline catalyst (NaOH or CaO) to produce a crude reaction mixture containing approximately 40–50% monoglycerides, 40–50% diglycerides, 5–10% triglycerides, and free glycerol; second, the crude product is subjected to short-path molecular distillation under high vacuum (<0.001 mbar) at 180–220°C to selectively evaporate and collect the lighter, more volatile monoglyceride fraction, yielding a distilled product with ≥90–95% monoglyceride content.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG quality is controlled by verification of total monoglyceride content (GC, ≥90–95%), free glycerol (≤1.0–2.5%), free fatty acid as stearic acid (≤1.5–2.5%), acid value (≤2–3 mg KOH/g), iodine value (≤2–4 g I₂/100g), melting point (60–70°C), moisture (≤0.5–3.0%), color (white to ivory), heavy metals (Pb ≤2 ppm), and microbiological parameters (total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms, Salmonella).

E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is produced in FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, Halal, and Kosher certified manufacturing facilities using 100% vegetable oil feedstocks for premium certified grades; raw material origin from soybean, sunflower, or RSPO-certified sustainable palm sources is available for brand owners seeking specific sustainability certification.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is available in multiple physical forms — white powder (200 mesh, ≥90% passes), beads or pellets (~1–3 mm), and flakes — providing handling flexibility for different mixing equipment; liquid forms (melted at >70°C) are also available in 20 kg pails, 190 kg drums, or IBCs for high-volume continuous liquid processing operations.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:

Handling of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene practices and in compliance with the applicable Safety Data Sheet; it is not classified as a hazardous substance and requires no special safety precautions beyond standard food ingredient handling procedures.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG handling requires avoiding excessive dust generation in powder form, keeping containers sealed to prevent moisture absorption and odor contamination, and storing away from heat sources that could cause melting or rancidity development.

SDS of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:

Stability and Reactivity of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:

Chemical stability:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is stable under recommended storage conditions in sealed containers at cool, dry temperatures.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG melts at 60–70°C; avoid prolonged storage at elevated temperatures to prevent rancidity development.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal handling and storage conditions.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG may slowly hydrolyze under prolonged strongly acidic or alkaline conditions; it may react with strong oxidizing agents.

Conditions to avoid:
Moisture and humid conditions during storage (causes caking, hydrolysis).
Elevated temperatures above 60°C during storage (causes melting and rancidity risk).
Direct sunlight.
Strong odorous materials (E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG may absorb odors).
Contact with strong oxidizing agents.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Concentrated strong acids.
Concentrated strong alkalis (saponification risk).

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Glycerol, stearic acid (thermal decomposition products).
Acrolein (from glycerol dehydration above 200°C).
Irritating fatty acid decomposition fumes.

Handling and Storage of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and food safety practices.
Avoid excessive dust generation in powder form; wear dust mask in dusty environments.
Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use.
For use, disperse in warm water at 70°C in a 1:6 ratio to form a paste, or melt at 65–75°C with gentle agitation.
Can be directly blended with dry flour or fat-phase ingredients.
Wash hands after handling.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place protected from moisture, direct sunlight, heat, and odorous products.
Keep containers tightly sealed.
Re-melt at 65–75°C with gentle agitation if solidification occurs in liquid-form grades.
Shelf life: 24 months in original sealed packaging under recommended storage conditions.
Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper bag with PE moisture-proof inner liner; 20–25 kg cartons (flakes/beads); 20 kg pails, 190 kg drums (liquid).

First Aid Measures of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:

Inhalation:
Move affected person to fresh air.
If dust causes respiratory irritation, seek medical advice.

Skin contact:
Wash with soap and water.
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is non-irritating to skin under normal food handling conditions.

Eye contact:
Rinse immediately with clean water.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is non-toxic and metabolized as a normal dietary fat.
No special first aid measures required; seek medical advice if large quantities are ingested or discomfort occurs.

Firefighting Measures of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, or water spray.

Specific hazards:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG has a flash point greater than 200°C; it is combustible but not readily flammable under normal conditions.
Thermal decomposition or combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrolein, and irritating fatty acid fumes.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:

Personal precautions:
Avoid inhalation of dust from spilled powder; wear dust mask.
Spilled molten E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG creates a slipping hazard; contain and cool immediately.

Environmental precautions:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG is biodegradable and of low environmental concern; prevent large quantities from entering waterways.

Methods for cleaning up:
Sweep or vacuum dry spilled powder into labeled containers; avoid generating dust.
Allow molten material to solidify before collection.
Dispose according to local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate ventilation where dust may be generated during powder handling.

Eye protection:
Safety glasses where dust generation is possible.

Hand protection:
Gloves for prolonged handling; food-contact-compliant gloves where required by food safety regulations.

Respiratory protection:
Dust mask where powder dust levels cannot be adequately controlled.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands after handling E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Identifiers of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
CAS Number: 123-94-4 (glycerol monostearate); 31566-31-1 (DMG mixture); 11099-07-3
EC Number (EINECS): 204-664-4
E Number: E471
INS Number: 471
Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₄₂O₄
Molecular Weight: 358.56 g/mol
HLB Value: 3.8–5.3 (lipophilic nonionic emulsifier)
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
US FDA: GRAS
EU: Approved food additive E471 (Regulation EC 1333/2008)
JECFA ADI: Not limited
Certifications available: FSSC 22000; ISO 9001; Halal; Kosher; Non-GMO
Dietary status: Vegetarian/Vegan (vegetable oil grades only); Halal (vegetable grades); Kosher

Properties of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
Physical state: Solid (powder, beads, or flakes at ambient temperature); liquid above 70°C
Appearance: White to off-white (ivory, cream) waxy powder, beads, or flakes
Odor: Faint, characteristic fatty odor
Taste: Neutral, slightly fatty
CAS Number (GMS): 123-94-4
Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₄₂O₄
Molecular Weight: 358.56 g/mol
Density: ~0.97 g/cm³
Melting point: 60–70°C
Flash point: >200°C (closed cup)
HLB value: 3.8–5.3 (nonionic; lipophilic)
Saponification value: 150–175 mg KOH/g
Solubility in water: Insoluble (cold); dispersible (hot, >60°C)
Solubility in ethanol: Soluble
Solubility in hot fats/oils: Soluble
GHS Classification: Not classified

Specifications of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
Product name: E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG (Distilled Monoglyceride)
CAS Number: 123-94-4; 31566-31-1
EC Number: 204-664-4
E Number: E471 / INS 471
Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₄₂O₄
Molecular Weight: 358.56 g/mol
Monoglyceride content (GC): ≥90–95% min
Free glycerol: ≤1.0–2.5% max
Free fatty acid (as stearic): ≤1.5–2.5% max
Acid value: ≤2.0–3.0 mg KOH/g max
Iodine value: ≤2.0–4.0 g I₂/100g max
Melting point: 60–70°C
Moisture: ≤0.5–3.0% max
Color (Gardner): ≤2 max
Density: ~0.97 g/cm³
HLB value: 3.8–5.3
Saponification value: 150–175 mg KOH/g
Arsenic (As): ≤1–3 mg/kg max
Lead (Pb): ≤2 mg/kg max
Cadmium (Cd): ≤1 mg/kg max
Mercury (Hg): ≤1 mg/kg max
Heavy metals (as Pb): ≤5–10 mg/kg max
Total plate count: ≤5,000 CFU/g max
Yeast and mould: ≤100 CFU/g max
Coliforms: Absent in 0.1g
Salmonella: Absent in 25g
3-MCPD: ≤2.5 mg/kg
Glycidyl esters (GE): ≤1 mg/kg
Storage: Cool, dry, well-ventilated; sealed; ≤25°C; away from moisture, light, and odors
Shelf life: 24 months in original sealed packaging
Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper bag with PE inner liner; cartons; drums; IBCs

Names of E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG:
E471 Distilled Monoglyceride DMG
Distilled Monoglyceride
DMG
GMS 90
GMS 95
GMS 99
Glycerol Monostearate
Glyceryl Monostearate
Glycerin Monostearate
Stearic Acid Monoglyceride
Monostearin
Stearic Acid Glycerol Monoester
Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
Distilled Glycerin Monostearate
Distilled Monoglyceride 90
Glycerol Monostearate 90
GMS 90/DMG
Emulsifier E471
E471
INS 471
CAS 123-94-4
CAS 31566-31-1