You may not see E471 on the ingredient list, but it is essential in almost every processed food you consume daily.

E471 (Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) is the most widely used emulsifier in the global food industry. It keeps bread soft and delays staling in baked goods. It prevents ice crystal formation in ice cream, creating a smooth texture. It ensures stable oil-water fusion and uniform consistency in margarine.

According to the latest 2026 data, E471 accounts for 46.9% of the global food emulsifier market, with the market continuing to expand at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.95%. From instant noodles in Asia to chocolate in Europe, from non-dairy creamer in the Americas to baked goods in the Middle East, E471 is everywhere.

The key to E471 becoming the "king of emulsifiers" lies in its excellent cost-performance ratio and wide adaptability. And the starting point of all this is high-quality oil feedstock.

Crude vegetable oils contain impurities, free fatty acids, and off-flavors that must be removed through degumming, deacidification, bleaching, and deodorization to obtain a pure, stable, and food-grade compliant feedstock. This is exactly where Zhengzhou Ocean's core expertise lies.

Ocean is a global leading turnkey oils & fats processing solutions provider . We have delivered over 200 refining lines worldwide, transforming crude oil into high-value specialty oils that guarantee the highest quality raw materials for downstream products like E471.

Learn more about the industrial production solutions behind E471 and how Ocean empowers the global food industry from the very source.