Emulsifiers are some of the hardest E-numbers to remove, because they hold a product’s structure together. DATEM, SSL, lecithin and mono- and diglycerides are found in breads, ice cream, sauces and beverages. If you are looking for a clean label emulsifier to replace them, Unifier® Emulsifier replaces all four with a blend of vegetable fibres, with no E-numbers and no synthetic additives.
This is part 4 of our Replace an Ingredient series. Start with our guide on how to replace E-numbers, or read the earlier parts on replacing potassium sorbate and replacing glycerine and sorbitol.
The four emulsifiers it replaces
All four are approved emulsifiers, listed in the UK Food Standards Agency’s approved additives and E numbers and, without the “E”, in Australia and New Zealand’s Food Standards Code Schedule 8.
| Emulsifier | E-number | Replaced with |
|---|---|---|
| DATEM | E472e | Unifier® Emulsifier |
| SSL (sodium stearoyl lactylate) | E481 | Unifier® Emulsifier |
| Lecithin | E322 | Unifier® Emulsifier |
| Mono- and diglycerides | E471 | Unifier® Emulsifier |
How Unifier® Emulsifier works
Unifier® Emulsifier is a proprietary blend of citrus, pea, potato and kelp fibres. It contains both soluble and insoluble mucilage fractions, which deliver natural emulsification, thickening and gelling. It performs in cold conditions and under heat treatment, including pasteurisation.
| Specification | Unifier® Emulsifier |
|---|---|
| Made from | Citrus, pea, potato and kelp fibres |
| Fibre content | ≥ 75% |
| pH | 3.5–5.5 |
| Label declaration options | Vegetable Fibers · Citrus, Pea, Potato & Kelp Fibers (other options on request) |
| Certifications | SQF, Halal, Kosher; gluten-free, vegan suitable, non-GMO |
| Shelf life | 18 months in a cool, dry place |
Where it is used
Unifier® Emulsifier is used in beverages, shakes, condiments, soups, sauces, creams, desserts, ice cream, pâté and baked goods. It suits any food, beverage or pharmaceutical application that needs a natural emulsification system. See also our beverages, yoghurt and premixes applications.
Switching from synthetic emulsifiers
- Tell us which emulsifier you are replacing, your application and your process (hot, cold or pasteurised).
- Dosage varies by application, so our technical team recommends a starting level for your trial.
- Compare emulsion stability, texture and mouthfeel against your current formulation across the full shelf life.
Frequently asked questions
Does Unifier® Emulsifier work in heated products?
Yes. It performs both in cold conditions and under heat treatment, including pasteurisation.
How will it appear on my ingredient list?
As “Vegetable Fibers” or “Citrus, Pea, Potato & Kelp Fibers”. Other options are available on request.
Does it add any E-numbers?
No. Unifier® Emulsifier contains no E-numbers and no synthetic additives.
Replacing gums or stabilisers as well?
See the Unifier® range, including Unifier® MD Stabilizer for meat, dough and bakery and Unifier® T10 Stabilizer for ice cream, desserts and beverages, or FlaxSmooth®, a single-ingredient flaxseed fibre.
Ready to start? Find more emulsifier replacements in our Ingredient Replacement Finder, or request a sample to begin your trial. You can also contact our team at info@nexusingredient.com.
