Demystifying Mono- and Diglycerides: Can These Common Food Additives Be Derived from Pork?

Walk down the aisles of any grocery store and you’ll see mono- and diglycerides listed in the ingredients of many packaged foods, But what exactly are these mysterious-sounding additives? And perhaps more importantly – could they potentially contain pork? Let’s find out

What are Mono- and Diglycerides?

Mono- and diglycerides are a type of food emulsifier. They are composed of fatty acids and help blend ingredients that don’t normally mix, like oil and water

Thanks to their emulsifying properties, mono- and diglycerides are added to a wide variety of foods including:

• Baked goods like breads, cookies and cakes
• Margarine and spreads
• Peanut butter
• Coffee creamers
• Ice cream
• Salad dressings
• Mayonnaise
• Cheese products

In baked items, mono- and diglycerides strengthen the gluten network, helping create a lighter, fluffier texture. They also prevent separation and extend shelf life in packaged foods.

Where Do Mono- and Diglycerides Come From?

Mono- and diglycerides can be derived from either animal fats or vegetable oils:

• Animal sources include pork, beef tallow, and butter fat.
• Plant sources include soybean, canola, and coconut oil.

To produce mono- and diglycerides commercially, triglycerides (from the fat/oil source) are combined with glycerin and a catalyst. This breaks the triglycerides into a mixture of mono-, di-, and triglycerides. The desired mono- and diglycerides are then purified through distillation.

So while mono- and diglycerides can come from pork, they can also come from plant-based oils. You can’t tell the source just by reading the ingredient list.

Could Mono- and Diglycerides Contain Pork?

Yes, it’s possible. Mono- and diglycerides may be derived from pork fat. However, they may also come from other animal fats like beef or plant-based oils.

Here are a few key points:

• Mono- and diglycerides from pork tend to be more affordable, hence their widespread use. But cost is not the only factor.

• Many companies use mono- and diglycerides from multiple sources – both animal and vegetable oils. They don’t rely on just one.

• Certain religious certifications like kosher and halal require mono- and diglycerides to be only from plant sources.

• The only way to know for sure is to contact the manufacturer and ask about their specific source.

Who May Want to Avoid Mono- and Diglycerides from Pork

While considered generally safe, certain groups may want to avoid mono- and diglycerides derived from pork:

• Vegetarians and vegans: Will want to seek plant-based sources instead of animal-derived.

• Those with religious dietary restrictions: Require certification that additives like mono- and diglycerides are not sourced from forbidden animals like pigs.

• Those with pork allergies: Need to be extra cautious and thoroughly vet sources to prevent allergic reaction.

Again, the only sure way to know if mono- and diglycerides contain pork is to contact the manufacturer directly and ask.

Seeking Alternatives

For those wishing to avoid animal-derived mono- and diglycerides, there are some alternatives:

• Lecithin: Made from soy or sunflowers, commonly used in baked goods.

• Sorbitan monostearate: Made from vegetable oil and fatty acids.

• ** DATEM (diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides)**: Made from tartaric acid and acetic acid.

• Cellulose gum: Plant-based polymer used as thickener and emulsifier.

• Guar gum: Plant-based gum used as thickener and emulsifier.

When purchasing, look for products certified kosher, halal or vegan to increase chances of getting plant-based versions.

The Takeaway

While mono- and diglycerides can be derived from pork fat, they may also come from other animal and vegetable sources. The ingredient list won’t specify the exact origin.

Those wishing to avoid pork due to diet, allergies or religious reasons should contact manufacturers to confirm sources. Alternatives like lecithin and cellulose gum are available too.

Being an informed consumer allows you to make the right choices for your individual needs when it comes to these common food additives.