You might ask what is DATEM when you see food labels. DATEM means diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides. This ingredient is an emulsifier. It helps water and fat mix in dough. You can find DATEM in bread. Around 16% of breads made in the United States have this additive. It makes the texture better and keeps baked goods soft.
Key Takeaways
DATEM is an emulsifier. It helps mix water and fat in baked goods. This makes the texture better. It also helps keep food fresh.
You can find DATEM in bread, pastries, and dairy foods. It helps keep these foods soft. It also helps them last longer on shelves.
The FDA says DATEM is safe to eat. People use it a lot in making food. It helps baked goods stay good without changing their taste.
What is DATEM?
Chemical Name and Origin
You might see DATEM on food labels and wonder what it is. DATEM means diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides. Chemically, DATEM is a group of mixed esters made from glycerin. Glycerin joins with diacetyl tartaric acid and fatty acids in this process.
DATEM comes from plant oils. Most companies use palm oil and soybean oil to make DATEM. These oils are easy to find and use. How companies grow and collect these plants is important. Using good farming methods helps the planet. It lowers pollution and saves resources. The food industry is asked to use greener ways to make ingredients like DATEM.
Note: DATEM’s effect on the environment depends on how plant oils are grown and processed.
Main Function in Food
DATEM is used as an emulsifier. It helps water and fat mix in foods. DATEM’s special structure lets it work with both water and fat parts. This makes DATEM helpful in baking and making other foods.
DATEM makes the gluten network in dough stronger. Bread gets better texture and more volume.
It stops oil and water from splitting in foods. Baked goods stay soft and fresh longer.
DATEM is great for making bread in factories. It helps bread rise higher and keeps its shape.
DATEM works better than natural emulsifiers like lecithin. It gives steady results. Big bakeries use DATEM to make dough stronger and keep bread fresh longer.
If you wonder what DATEM does in bread, it helps mix ingredients. It also makes bread softer and nicer to eat.
DATEM in Food Use
Common Foods with DATEM
You will find DATEM in many baked goods. If you enjoy bread, buns, or pastries, you have probably eaten foods with this ingredient. Bakeries use DATEM in products like toast bread, rolls, and cake premixes. Small and medium-sized bakeries like DATEM powder because it keeps their recipes stable.
Here are some foods where you might see DATEM on the label:
Bread
Buns
Pastries
Toast bread
Rolls
Cake mixes
DATEM is not just for bread. You can also find it in other foods. Some dairy products, like ice cream and whipped cream, use DATEM. Candy makers add it to some sweets. Meat products, such as sausages and burgers, may also contain DATEM to help mix ingredients.
Food Product Type | Examples |
|---|---|
Dairy Products | Ice cream, whipped cream |
Confectionery | Candies |
Meat Products | Sausages, burgers |
When you check ingredient lists, you might see DATEM listed as E472e. This is its food additive code.
How DATEM Improves Texture
You may wonder what is datem doing in your bread or cake. DATEM helps blend water and fat, so dough becomes smooth and easy to shape. It strengthens the gluten network, which makes bread rise higher and gives it a better crumb. Your bread will feel softer and stay fresh longer.
Food makers choose DATEM because it works well and costs less than some other emulsifiers. It gives bread a fine crumb and helps keep the texture soft. DATEM also helps reduce fat and sugar in recipes while keeping foods stable.
Feature | DATEM | SSL |
|---|---|---|
Shelf Life Extension | Moderate | Strong |
Texture Improvement | Fine crumb | Soft crumb, slower staling |
Tip: If you want to avoid DATEM, look for E472e on the label.
DATEM Safety
FDA Approval and Regulations
You might wonder if DATEM is safe to eat. The Food and Drug Administration says DATEM is safe in food. The FDA lets companies use the name DATEM on labels. This name stands for diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides. You will see DATEM on many food packages. The FDA wants to update its rules soon. They plan to make DATEM the official name on ingredient lists. This change will help you find DATEM faster when you read food labels.
Evidence Description | Details |
|---|---|
Recognition of DATEM | The FDA recognizes ‘DATEM’ as an alternate common name for this additive. |
Consumer Familiarity | The FDA notes that consumers know ‘DATEM’ from food labels. |
Regulatory Revision Proposal | The FDA plans to revise rules to officially allow ‘DATEM’ on labels. |
Health Considerations
Most studies say DATEM is safe in the amounts found in food. Scientists checked how much DATEM people eat. They found it is less than the safe daily limit. Some research looks at DATEM and other emulsifiers in your gut and body. These studies do not show any problems for the amounts you eat in a normal diet.
One study found no health risks from DATEM in food.
Another study showed people eat much less DATEM than the safe amount.
The World Health Organization also checked DATEM. They found almost no toxicity in single doses. Short-term studies showed no problems with weight or health. Long-term studies in animals used high amounts for years. These did not cause harm, except for weight loss in some animals at very high doses.
Study Type | Findings |
|---|---|
Acute Toxicity | |
Short-term Studies | No negative effects on health or body weight. |
Long-term Studies | High doses for years did not cause harm, except for weight loss in rats. |
Nutritionists say DATEM is safe for most people. They suggest you check ingredient labels if you want to avoid food additives. Some experts want more research on DATEM and gut health. If you worry about DATEM, look for DATEM or E472e on food labels.
Tip: If you want to know what is datem doing in your food, check the ingredient list for DATEM or E472e.
DATEM helps your bread stay soft and fresh. You see it in many foods because it improves texture and shelf life. Check the table below for DATEM’s main functions:
Function | Description |
|---|---|
Enhance elasticity | Makes dough stretch and hold air |
Increase bread volume | Helps bread rise higher |
Extend shelf life | Keeps food fresh longer |
You can trust DATEM’s safety.
It comes from edible sources.
Food makers use it under strict rules.
You find it in bread, dairy, and snacks.
Tip: Always read ingredient labels. Clear lists help you avoid unwanted additives and make smart choices.
FAQ
What does DATEM stand for?
DATEM stands for diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides. You see this name on ingredient labels.
Is DATEM vegan?
Most DATEM comes from plant oils. You can consider it vegan unless the label says otherwise.
Does DATEM affect the taste of bread?
You will not taste DATEM in bread. It improves texture and shelf life without changing flavor.
