Do Mono- and Diglycerides Come from Animals?

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to food scientists, mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers that can be derived from either plant or animal fats, meaning they are not always animal-based. This dual-source nature requires careful consideration for those with specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, or kosher diets.

Quick Summary

The origin of mono- and diglycerides depends on the manufacturer's sourcing, which can be either vegetable oils like palm or soy, or animal fats such as beef or pork. Since the ingredient label doesn't usually specify the source, consumers with dietary restrictions often need to verify the information with the producer directly to confirm if the emulsifier is animal-derived.

Key Points

Variable Sourcing: Mono- and diglycerides can be produced from either plant oils or animal fats, so their origin is not guaranteed to be plant-based.
Dietary Risk for Unspecified Products: Without a specific certification or labeling, products containing mono- and diglycerides are not guaranteed to be vegan, vegetarian, kosher, or halal.
Industrial Production: While naturally occurring, mono- and diglycerides for commercial food use are industrially produced from triglycerides via glycerolysis.
Consumer Action: The most reliable way for consumers to determine the source is to check for third-party certifications (e.g., Vegan, Kosher, Halal) or contact the product manufacturer directly.
Primary Sources: Common plant sources include palm and soy oil, while animal sources can include beef tallow and pork lard.
Emulsifier Function: Regardless of origin, mono- and diglycerides function as emulsifiers to blend oil and water, improving food texture and extending shelf life.

Understanding the Source of Mono- and Diglycerides

Mono- and diglycerides are widely used food additives known for their ability to emulsify, or mix, oil and water. This function is essential for creating smooth textures and preventing separation in various products like baked goods, margarine, and ice cream, ultimately extending their shelf life. While their chemical structure is the same regardless of origin, the source is a critical factor for individuals adhering to vegan, vegetarian, or religious dietary practices.

Plant-Based Sources

The most common source for mono- and diglycerides is vegetable oil. The production process involves reacting a plant-based fat with glycerol at high temperatures using an alkaline catalyst. Some of the plant sources frequently used include palm, soybean, sunflower, canola, and coconut oils. If a product specifically lists "vegetable mono- and diglycerides," it indicates a plant-based origin. However, the general term does not provide this clarity.

Animal-Based Sources

Alternatively, mono- and diglycerides can be made from animal fats, such as lard from pork or tallow from beef. This poses a concern for those following kosher, halal, vegan, or vegetarian diets. For a product to be considered kosher, for instance, any mono- or diglycerides used must be derived from a kosher source and the product itself must have proper certification. Because the source isn't typically listed, consumers with these dietary needs must investigate the origin.

How to Determine the Source

Given that food labels are not required to specify whether mono- and diglycerides come from plants or animals, consumers can take several steps to find out:

Look for Certification: Check for trusted certifications like Certified Vegan, Kosher symbols (hechsher), or Halal labels, which indicate compliance with specific dietary standards.
Contact the Manufacturer: If certifications are absent, the most reliable method is to reach out to the product's maker directly, as many companies provide details on their ingredient sourcing upon request.
Consult Product Databases: Some online resources and apps dedicated to dietary needs may offer information on ingredient sourcing, although it is always wise to double-check.
Note Explicit Labeling: Some brands that use only plant-based ingredients may state this clearly on the label, for example, by saying "plant-based mono- and diglycerides" or indicating a vegan source for the emulsifier.

Comparison of Mono- and Diglyceride Sources


Feature	Plant-Based Sources	Animal-Based Sources
Sourcing	Derived from vegetable oils like palm, soy, and canola.	Derived from animal fats such as lard (pork) and tallow (beef).
Dietary Suitability	Suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and often kosher and halal diets.	Not suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or kosher diets. Questionable for halal unless verified as derived from a properly slaughtered animal.
Availability	Widely used and often preferred by manufacturers for broader consumer base.	Still used, but may be less common due to increasing demand for plant-based ingredients.
Labeling	Not explicitly required on standard ingredient labels; may be specified voluntarily.	The source is not mandated on the ingredient list, making verification necessary.
Emulsifier Functionality	Identical chemical function; performs as an effective emulsifier.	Identical chemical function; performs as an effective emulsifier.

Conclusion

To summarize, mono- and diglycerides can originate from either animal or plant sources, and their source is not inherently plant-based. Because animal fats like lard or tallow can be used in their production, these ingredients are not automatically compliant with vegan, vegetarian, kosher, or halal diets. Consumers who require certainty about the source must rely on product certifications, manufacturer communication, or explicit labeling to ensure the ingredients align with their dietary restrictions. For those with dietary limitations, the most reliable method is to confirm the source or select products with clear vegan or certified kosher/halal labeling. Informed consumer choices are essential for adhering to personal and ethical food standards.

Food Ingredient Facts offers helpful information on mono- and diglyceride sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, mono- and diglycerides can be produced from either plant-based fats (like palm or soy oil) or animal-based fats (like beef or pork fat).

Vegans and vegetarians should look for products explicitly labeled 'vegan' or 'plant-based.' If the label is unclear, they should contact the manufacturer or avoid the product entirely.

Yes, mono- and diglycerides are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

While they are derived from fats, mono- and diglycerides are used primarily for their emulsifying properties and are present in very small amounts, offering negligible nutritional value.

No, triglycerides have three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol molecule, while mono- and diglycerides have one and two fatty acid chains, respectively. The latter are used as emulsifiers.

Current food labeling regulations do not require manufacturers to disclose whether mono- and diglycerides come from plant or animal sources, which is why consumer verification is often necessary.

They are found in a wide variety of processed foods, including baked goods, margarine, ice cream, peanut butter, and salad dressings.