Is Ascorbyl Palmitate Vegetarian?

Caution

Sometimes. Ascorbyl palmitate (e304) is a compund of both palmitic acid and ascorbic acid. In some cases, palmitic acid may be animal derived.

Ascorbyl Palmitate and the Vegetarian Diet

Ascorbyl palmitate is a compound formed by combining ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with palmitic acid, a fatty acid. This combination results in a fat-soluble antioxidant used to preserve the freshness of foods by preventing oxidation. It is commonly used in processed foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Although ascorbic acid is naturally derived from fruits, palmitic acid can be sourced from both plant and animal origins, which raises concerns for vegetarians and vegans.

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How Spoonful reviews ingredients

  • Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
  • Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
  • Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
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