Properties and Uses of Glyceryl Monolaurate in Food
Date:2024-01-15
Read:
Share:
Glyceryl Monolaurate (GML) is an ester formed by the combination of glycerol and lauric acid. GML e471 is both an excellent emulsifier and a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent in food. In this blog, we will take a look at the properties and uses of Glyceryl Monolaurate in the food industry.
What is Glyceryl Monolaurate in Food?
Glyceryl Monolaurate (GML) is an ester formed by the combination of glycerol (a trihydric alcohol) and lauric acid (a fatty acid with 12 carbon atoms). The molecular structure consists of one molecule of glycerol and one molecule of lauric acid esterified together.
Glycerol monolaurate e471 is generally white or light yellow in appearance with fine granular crystals. It is a monoester with the chemical formula C15H30O4. Glyceryl Monolaurate is both an excellent emulsifier and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent in food.
What Are Other Names for Glyceryl Monolaurate?
Monolaurin: This term is often used interchangeably with Glyceryl Monolaurate, as Monolaurin is the monoglyceride form of lauric acid.
Glyceryl Laurate: It refers to the glycerol ester of lauric acid, reflecting the chemical composition of Glyceryl Monolaurate.
1-Lauroyl-Glycerol: This name indicates the specific structure of Glyceryl Monolaurate, where lauric acid is attached to the glycerol molecule.
What Are the Properties of Glycerol Monolaurate?
Emulsification Effect:
Glyceryl Monolaurate (GML) has emulsifying properties. It can stabilizer emulsions in food and prevent the separation of oil and water. Adding GML e471 to products like cakes and bread can improve the stability and texture of the food.
Antibacterial Effects:
Glyceryl Monolaurate (GML) also exhibits antibacterial effects, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria. Adding GML to food helps prevent bacterial contamination, ensuring the safety and hygiene of the food. Its antibacterial effects are not affected by pH and are superior to substances like sorbic acid, benzoic acid, and parabens.
Resistance to Microbial Infections:
GML e471 has the ability to resist microbial infections, making it widely used in products such as infant formula and rice cereal. It is also commonly added to baked goods, improving the quality of rice and flour products. Glyceryl Monolaurate is a safe and efficient broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that can inhibit various viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms.
Antioxidant Characteristics:
Glyceryl Monolaurate (GML) has strong antioxidant capabilities, effectively slowing down the oxidation and deterioration of food. Adding GML ingredients to products such as oils, pastries, and candies can extend the shelf life of the food, preserving its original flavor and texture.
Thickening Properties:
Glyceryl Monolaurate also functions as a thickening agent. It can increase the viscosity of food and make it smoother with a better texture. Adding GML e471 to products like yogurt and ice cream can effectively enhance the taste and quality of the food.
Uses of Glycerol Monolaurate in Food
Glyceryl Monolaurate (GML) finds extensive applications in the food industry, spanning various sectors such as oils, pastries, candies, beverages, dairy products, and meat products.
In baking, Glyceryl Monolaurate can be added to improve the texture and consistency of products that contain both fat and water components, such as cakes, muffins, and icings.
The addition of Glyceryl Monolaurate to oils effectively prevents oxidative deterioration.
In pastries and candies, the inclusion of GML e471 emulsifier significantly enhances the taste and quality of the food.
Adding Glycerol Monolaurate to beverages contributes to improved stability and taste.
Incorporating e471 emulsifier into dairy and meat products helps prevent bacterial contamination, ensuring the safety and hygiene of the food.
Is Glycerol Monolaurate Safe?
Glycerol Monolaurate (GML) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption when used in accordance with food safety regulations. It has been approved by regulatory authorities for use in various applications.
In Summary
To sum up, Glycerol Monolaurate e471 serves as a natural food additive with widespread applications in the food industry. Its multifaceted roles, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, thickening, and emulsifying functions, bestow essential characteristics upon food products. With an increasing emphasis on food safety and health, the future outlook for the utilization of Glycerol Monolaurate appears promising.
As a professional Glycerol Monolaurate supplier, CHEMSINO can provide various types of Glycerol Monolaurate that include GML 40% and GML 90%. Also, other common emulsifiers like MPG, GMS, and Polysorbate80 are for sale at CHEMSINO.
 in Food Production.jpg)
