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DATEM

DATEM suppliers and sourcing guide

DATEM (diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) is an anionic emulsifier made by reacting diacetyl tartaric anhydride with mono- and diglycerides from edible fats and oils, most often palm or soybean. It is used mainly in bread, rolls and other yeast-raised doughs, and also in creamers and some beverages. Brands buy it as a powder or beads, sometimes as a paste or a liquid for other uses.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides · E472e · Mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of DATEM

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Powder

    Free-flowing powder, often with an anti-caking agent such as calcium carbonate, for flour premixes and bakery bases.

  • Beads or flakes

    Spray-cooled solid forms that handle more cleanly than powder in automated dosing.

  • Liquid or paste

    Softer forms made from unsaturated fatty acids, used where the emulsifier is dispersed in fat or water.

  • Fat source grades

    Grades declared as palm-based (sometimes RSPO), palm-free or non-GMO soy-based, which matters for labels and customer specs.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Acid value and saponification value
Titration results that characterize the ester mixture against the FCC or supplier specification.
Total tartaric acid and acetic acid
Tartaric and acetic acid content after saponification, which identifies the material as DATEM rather than plain monoglycerides.
Free glycerol
Free glycerol content, usually by titration or GC.
Heavy metals
Lead, and often arsenic, cadmium and mercury, by ICP-MS or AAS against the supplier's specification or Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) limits.
Physical tests
Appearance, melting range and sieve analysis for powder and bead grades.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store DATEM sealed in a cool, dry place, since it absorbs moisture and can hydrolyze slowly, releasing acetic acid and giving a vinegar note. Warm storage also causes powders and beads to cake. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification; older stock is usually retested for acid value and odor.

Lots and expiry dates

Acid value can creep up as lots age, and fat source and anti-caking agent can differ between suppliers, so record both on the lot record. Rotate stock first-expired, first-out and check odor on older bags before use.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 184.1101 affirms diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct food ingredient, used with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists mono- and diglycerides, diacetyltartaric acid esters with the technical effects emulsifier or emulsifier salt and texturizer, citing 21 CFR 184.1101.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

DATEM suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking DATEM suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell DATEM? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of DATEM can brands buy?

Common forms include powder, beads or flakes, liquid or paste and fat source grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for DATEM include?

Expect acid value and saponification value, total tartaric acid and acetic acid, free glycerol, heavy metals and physical tests, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should DATEM be stored?

Store DATEM sealed in a cool, dry place, since it absorbs moisture and can hydrolyze slowly, releasing acetic acid and giving a vinegar note. Warm storage also causes powders and beads to cake. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification; older stock is usually retested for acid value and odor.

What is the regulatory status of DATEM?

21 CFR 184.1101 affirms diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct food ingredient, used with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists mono- and diglycerides, diacetyltartaric acid esters with the technical effects emulsifier or emulsifier salt and texturizer, citing 21 CFR 184.1101.

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