Food & Beverage / Solution Family

Surfactants – Nonionic

Polysorbate and sorbitan-ester emulsifiers (Tween 20/40/60/80/85, Span 60) plus self-emulsifying glyceryl monostearate for HLB-matched oil-in-water emulsification of dressings, beverages, and bakery systems.

Overview

Nonionic surfactants are the workhorse food emulsifiers: uncharged molecules thatnlower interfacial tension between oil and water so an emulsion resists creaming and separation.nRawSource's nonionic line for food and beverage is the polysorbate and sorbitan-ester set (Tweenn20, 40, 60, 80, and 85, plus Span 60) together with self-emulsifying glyceryl monostearate.

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Selection runs on HLB, and that is where the one real trade-off sits. A high-HLB polysorbatensuch as Tween 80 (HLB about 15) stabilizes oil-in-water dressings, beverage clouds, andnfrozen-dessert mixes, but a single grade rarely matches a given system's required HLB. Pairing anhigh-HLB polysorbate with a low-HLB sorbitan ester (Span 60, HLB about 4.7) lets you dial thenblend to target, at the cost of running a two-component emulsifier system.

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Pick the grade by the job: Tween 20 for solubilizing flavor oils into clear drinks, Tween 60nfor whipped and bakery emulsions, and glyceryl monostearate to complex starch and slow crumbnstaling. These are regulated food additives with permitted-use limits. Confirm grade documentationnand regulatory status for your application and jurisdiction.

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Where it's used
  • Oil-in-water stabilization of dressings, sauces, and beverage emulsions
  • Flavor-oil and oil-soluble active solubilization into clear beverages (high-HLB polysorbates)
  • Whipped toppings, icings, and aerated bakery emulsions
  • HLB-matched emulsifier blends pairing high-HLB polysorbates with low-HLB sorbitan esters
  • Starch complexation and crumb-softening in bread and cake (glyceryl monostearate)
Frequently asked questions
Does RawSource supply food-grade polysorbates and sorbitan esters in bulk?
Yes. RawSource sources polysorbates (Tween 20, 40, 60, 80, 85), sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), and glyceryl monostearate in bulk for food and beverage use. Packaging runs from drums to totes, matched to your consumption rate. Request a quote with your CAS, grade, and volume.
How do I choose between Tween 80 and Span 60?
Tween 80 is a high-HLB polysorbate (about 15) that stabilizes oil-in-water systems; Span 60 is a low-HLB sorbitan ester (about 4.7) used on the oil side. Many formulations pair a high-HLB and a low-HLB emulsifier to match the system's required HLB rather than relying on one grade.
What is HLB and why does it matter?
HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) ranks an emulsifier from oil-loving to water-loving. Matching the emulsifier's HLB to the system's required HLB is the main lever for a stable emulsion. A single grade rarely hits the target, so high- and low-HLB grades are blended.
Are these polysorbates and sorbitan esters food grade?
The catalog items carry FCC, NF, or Kosher designations in their names, and RawSource provides TDS, SDS, COA, and grade documentation on request. These are regulated food additives with permitted-use limits; confirm the required grade and regulatory status for your application and jurisdiction.
Disclaimer. Information on this page is provided for general reference and compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, and confirm regulatory status, classification, and suitability for your application and jurisdiction.
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