Polyoxyethylene 8 Stearate
The short version
An 8-EO polyethylene-glycol stearate — coffee-whitener emulsifier with restricted EU approval.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Manufactured by ethoxylating stearic acid with 8 ethylene-oxide units. Less common than the 40-EO Polysorbates because of slightly different solubility and lower regulatory authorization.
How it's used
Used as an emulsifier in non-dairy coffee creamers and some whipped toppings in non-EU markets. EU approval is restricted to specific applications (e.g., bakery wares); broader use is more common in the US.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–25 mg/kg body weight (combined polyoxyethylene-stearate emulsifiers). Hydrolyzed in digestion to fatty acids and polyethylene glycol fragments — the latter largely excreted unchanged.
Physical & chemical properties
Pale yellow waxy solid. Disperses in warm water; soluble in oils.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the US and most non-EU jurisdictions. EU permission is more restricted.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.