Polysorbate 40
The short version
Tween 40 — a palmitate-based polysorbate for dairy and bakery emulsions.
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 sorbitan monopalmitate. Intermediate between the lauric Tween 20 and the stearic Tween 60 — the C16 palmitic acid chain.
How it's used
Used in whipped toppings, imitation dairy products, edible coatings, and some bakery emulsions. Less common than Polysorbate 60 or 80 but chosen where the specific C16 fatty-acid chain partition is preferred.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–25 mg/kg body weight (combined polysorbates). Same considerations as the other polysorbates.
Physical & chemical properties
Yellow to amber viscous oily liquid. Soluble in water; characteristic mild odor.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted globally with maximum-use limits per category.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.