Ingredient

I-cysteine

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use L-cysteine as a dough conditioner in baked goods, like breads and pizza …

What it is

L-cysteine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can produce it. It is found naturally in protein-rich foods. Commercially, it is often produced through fermentation or by extracting it from animal sources like feathers or hair.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use L-cysteine as a dough conditioner in baked goods, like breads and pizza dough. It helps improve dough texture and reduce mixing time. It can also be used as a flavor enhancer.

Health notes

L-cysteine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a building block for proteins and plays a role in various bodily functions. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated L-cysteine. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical dietary intake.

Allergen info

L-cysteine is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing I-cysteine

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Continental Airlines, Inc./chelsea Catering Division Vegetable Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 170kcal 9.1Protein 4.3Fat 23.9Carbs Lily Bleu Salmon Asparagus Crostini Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 223kcal 16.9Protein 12.8Fat 9.5Carbs Chicken Pelmeni Uncooked Chicken Filling In Raw Dough, Chicken Buffalo Sav Inc Chicken Pelmeni Uncooked Chicken Filling In Raw Dough, Chicken Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 195kcal 12.4Protein 5.3Fat 24.8Carbs Felix Roma & Sons Inc. Delicious Rolls Breads & Buns 268kcal 8.9Protein 2.7Fat 51.8Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Chicken Salad Croissant Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 36% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 236kcal 10.3Protein 14.9Fat 15.5Carbs Sun Company, Inc. (R&M) Bacon Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheese Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 53% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 90% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 37% DV per serving 417kcal 22.3Protein 27.0Fat 20.0Carbs The Bread Factory Inc. Telera Tradicional Bread Breads & Buns 254kcal 7.0Protein 4.9Fat 45.1Carbs The Bread Factory Inc. Pan Hutentico Bolillo Original Breads & Buns 188kcal 4.7Protein 2.4Fat 37.6Carbs Hojaldradas Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 308kcal 7.2Protein 9.6Fat 48.2Carbs

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.