Ingredient

Cysteine

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

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

What it is

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.

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.

Products containing Cysteine

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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 Conagra Brands BANQUET - Cheeseburger Breadstick, 4.91 OZ Sandwiches/Filled Rolls/Wraps 187kcal 6.5Protein 3.6Fat 32.4Carbs 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 Conagra Frozen Foods Pepperoni Stuffed Breadsticks Pizza 267kcal 10.7Protein 8Fat 40Carbs Conagra Frozen Foods Reduced Fat Pepperoni Stuffed Pizza Slices Pizza High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 256kcal 10.3Protein 9.0Fat 32.0Carbs Conagra Frozen Foods Stuffed Breadsticks, Cheese-Burger Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 253kcal 9.3Protein 6Fat 40Carbs ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC 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 Continental Airlines, Inc./chelsea Catering Division 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 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

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Duncan Hines, Decadent Cake Mix, Triple Chocolate, Triple Chocolate Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 400kcal 6Protein 9Fat 78Carbs Specialty Bakers, LLC Plain Pizza Dough Crusts & Dough 263kcal 7.0Protein 5.3Fat 43.9Carbs Champion Foods, LLC 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

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.