Triglycerides present in both animal fats and vegetable fats; found particularly in solid fats, such as tallow and cocoa butter. May also be synthesized by esterification of stearic acid with glycerol. Uses include as emulsifiers and surface-finishing agents for chocolate and sugar confectionery. Also known as tristearin, glyceryl tristearate and octadecanoic acid 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester.