Ingredient

Cysteine Hydrochloride

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add cysteine hydrochloride to baked goods to improve dough texture and volume, making …

What it is

Cysteine hydrochloride is a salt form of the amino acid cysteine. It is often produced commercially through the hydrolysis of animal hair or feathers, though it can also be synthesized. It is used as a dough conditioner and flavoring agent.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add cysteine hydrochloride to baked goods to improve dough texture and volume, making it easier to work with. It can also be used to enhance meaty flavors in processed foods. It is commonly found in bread, pizza dough, and some savory snacks.

Health notes

Cysteine hydrochloride is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a source of the amino acid cysteine, which plays a role in protein synthesis. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated cysteine and its salts, and have established acceptable daily intake levels. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

Cysteine hydrochloride is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Cysteine Hydrochloride

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DI LUSSO Smoked Turkey And Double Cheese Flatbread, Smoked Turkey And Double Cheese Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 77% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 205kcal 15.1Protein 8.3Fat 18.1Carbs Continental Airlines, Inc./chelsea Catering Division BBQ Chicken Salad Sandwich Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 56% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 248kcal 9.4Protein 11.5Fat 24.4Carbs Hearthside USA, LLC Wraps & Sandwiches On Wheat Bread, Turkey & Havarti Cheese On Wheat Bread Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 205kcal 13.7Protein 6.3Fat 23.7Carbs Simmons Foods, Inc. Oven-Roasted Chicken Bites Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 119kcal 23.8Protein 3.0Fat 1.2Carbs Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. Black Forest Ham Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts 107kcal 17.9Protein 2.7Fat 3.6Carbs Simmons Foods, Inc. Chicken Strips Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 119kcal 23.8Protein 3.0Fat 1.2Carbs Tippin's Restaurants Inc. Ham And Bean Soup, Smoke Other Soups High in sodium — 44% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 110kcal 6.5Protein 4.1Fat 12.7Carbs Bruno's Supermarkets, Inc. Black Forest Ham Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts 107kcal 17.9Protein 2.7Fat 3.6Carbs Crispy Buttery Crust Hickory Ham & Cheddar, Crispy Buttery Crust Nestle USA Inc. Crispy Buttery Crust Hickory Ham & Cheddar, Crispy Buttery Crust Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 213kcal 7.1Protein 7.1Fat 30.7Carbs America's Bakery Bread Crumbs Bread & Muffin Mixes 385kcal 12.8Protein 3.9Fat 74.4Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.