Sorbitan monopalmitate (SMP) is a food additive,[2] permitted by the EU.

It is entry E495 in the E number list of permitted food additives.

[5] Around 2000, SMP was permitted by the EU in bakery products, icings, marmalades, simulations of milk and cream, beverage whiteners, liquid concentrates of fruit and herbs, sorbets, emulsified sauces, food supplements and chewing gum amongst others.

[3] SMP is a polysorbate that is derived from the mixture of partial esters of sorbitol treated with palmitic acid.

SMP is metabolized to sorbitol and palmitic acid, without any apparent side effects.