Ingredient

Cysteine

Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Cysteine is used as a dough conditioner in baking, improving texture and reducing mixing …

What is Cysteine?

Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can make it. It is found naturally in protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. Industrially, it is often produced through fermentation or extracted from animal sources like feathers or hair.

Is Cysteine vegan?

No. Cysteine is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.

Is Cysteine a major allergen?

Cysteine itself is not one of the nine major allergens.

What is Cysteine used for?

Cysteine is used as a dough conditioner in baking, improving texture and reducing mixing time.

Is Cysteine safe?

In the US, cysteine and its salts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.

Why it's used

Cysteine is used as a dough conditioner in baking, improving texture and reducing mixing time. It can also act as a flavor enhancer and antioxidant in various processed foods.

Health notes

In the US, cysteine and its salts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated cysteine. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

Cysteine itself is not one of the nine major allergens. However, it can be derived from animal sources like feathers or hair, which may be a concern for some individuals.

Foods that contain Cysteine

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Duncan Hines, Decadent Cake Mix, Triple Chocolate, Triple Chocolate Duncan Hines Duncan Hines, Decadent Cake Mix, Triple Chocolate, Triple Chocolate Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 400kcal 6Protein 9Fat 78Carbs
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Collagen Protein 17 G Sugar Free Liquid, Berry, Berry Prot Gold Collagen Protein 17 G Sugar Free Liquid, Berry, Berry Energy, Protein & Muscle Recovery Drinks 233kcal —Protein 0Fat 0Carbs
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Four Meat Two Layers Of Crust Stuffed With Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Sausage, Reduced Fat Pepperoni, Beef, And Ham Double Stuffed Mega Pizza, Four Meat Banquet Four Meat Two Layers Of Crust Stuffed With Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Sausage, Reduced Fat Pepperoni, Beef, And Ham Double Stuffed Mega Pizza, Four Meat Pizza High in sodium — 46% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 234kcal 10.9Protein 10.3Fat 23.9Carbs
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Three Cheese Two Layers Of Crust Stuffed With Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmesan, And Romano Cheeses Double Stuffed Mega Pizza, Three Cheese Banquet Three Cheese Two Layers Of Crust Stuffed With Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmesan, And Romano Cheeses Double Stuffed Mega Pizza, Three Cheese Pizza High in sodium — 42% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 239kcal 11.4Protein 10.9Fat 23.9Carbs
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Pepperoni Two Layers Of Crust Stuffed With Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, And Reduced Fat Pepperoni Double Stuffed Mega Pizza, Pepperoni Banquet Pepperoni Two Layers Of Crust Stuffed With Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, And Reduced Fat Pepperoni Double Stuffed Mega Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza High in sodium — 57% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 250kcal 11.4Protein 12.0Fat 23.9Carbs
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Banquet Pizza Meal, Frozen Meal, 6.25 oz. Banquet Banquet Pizza Meal, Frozen Meal, 6.25 oz. Savoury Bakery Products High in sodium — 30% DV per serving —kcal 6.8Protein 5.1Fat 23.2Carbs
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Banquet Buffalo Style Chicken Stuffed Quesadillas, Frozen Appetizer, 26 oz. Banquet Banquet Buffalo Style Chicken Stuffed Quesadillas, Frozen Appetizer, 26 oz. Meat/Poultry/Other Animals - Prepared/Processed High in sodium — 20% DV per serving —kcal 9.0Protein 5.1Fat 33.3Carbs
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Conagra Brands BANQUET Ham and Cheese Breadstick Prepared/Preserved Foods Variety Packs High in sodium — 28% DV per serving 194kcal 7.5Protein 6.0Fat 26.9Carbs
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Conagra Brands BANQUET - Cheeseburger Breadstick, 4.91 OZ Sandwiches/Filled Rolls/Wraps 187kcal 6.5Protein 3.6Fat 32.4Carbs
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Conagra Brands KID CUISINE Reduced Fat Pepperoni Double Stuffed Crust Pizza With Corn & Chocolate Pudding, 7.15 oz. Ready-Made Combination Meals High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 172kcal 4.9Protein 4.4Fat 28.1Carbs
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Banquet Pepperoni Stuffed Breadsticks Pizza 267kcal 10.7Protein 8Fat 40Carbs
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Banquet Reduced Fat Pepperoni Stuffed Pizza Slices Pizza High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 256kcal 10.3Protein 9.0Fat 32.0Carbs
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Banquet Stuffed Breadsticks, Cheese-Burger Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 253kcal 9.3Protein 6Fat 40Carbs
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Odom'S Tennessee Pride Odom's Tennessee Pride, Quesadillas, Sausage Gravy, Odom's Tennessee Pride, Quesadillas, Sausage Gravy Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 250kcal 9.4Protein 8.3Fat 35.4Carbs
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King Soopers Sandwich Bun, Ham, Swish & Caramelized Onion Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 64% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 235kcal 12.7Protein 10.4Fat 24.0Carbs
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Rocky Mountain Food Factory Sausage & Cheese Bagel Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 268kcal 14.8Protein 11.3Fat 26.1Carbs
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Atlanta Bread Plain Pizza Dough Crusts & Dough 263kcal 7.0Protein 5.3Fat 43.9Carbs
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Family Finest Supreme Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 221kcal 10.4Protein 9.2Fat 25.1Carbs
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Family Finest Pepperoni Pizza Kit Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 244kcal 11.7Protein 8.9Fat 29.4Carbs
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Family Finest Cheese Pizzas Kit Pizza High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 240kcal 11.1Protein 8.2Fat 30.4Carbs
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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.