Monoglycerides and Diglycerides

Appears in

By Francisco Migoya

Published 2008

  • About
Also known as E 471, these are derived from the partial decomposition of animal or vegetable oils or fats by reaction with water (hydrolysis). Their scientific definitions are as follows:
  • A monoglyceride is a glyceride consisting of one fatty acid chain covalently bonded to a glycerol molecule through an ester linkage.
  • A diglyceride is a glyceride consisting of two fatty acid chains covalently bonded to a glycerol molecule through ester linkages.
Monoglycerides and diglycerides are always used in combination. Used alone, they lack emulsifying strength. These are the emulsifiers used in this book because of the qualities they contribute to the final product. Their emulsifying properties contribute to a uniform base that will churn or freeze evenly and result in a high-quality product. They can be found through specialty pastry ingredient providers.