Ingredient

L-cysteine Hcl

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
It is used as a dough conditioner in baked goods like bread and pizza …

What it is

L-cysteine hydrochloride is a non-essential amino acid that is a building block for proteins. It is often produced commercially by extracting it from animal sources, such as feathers or hog hair, or through fermentation.

Why it's used

It is used as a dough conditioner in baked goods like bread and pizza crusts, helping to improve texture and reduce mixing time. It can also act as a flavor enhancer in some savory products.

Health notes

In the U.S., L-cysteine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated L-cysteine and established acceptable daily intake levels. It is typically consumed in small amounts as part of a normal diet.

Allergen info

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

Products containing L-cysteine Hcl

Compare products →

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.