Ingredient

Stearoyl Lactylate

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use stearoyl lactylate as an emulsifier and dough conditioner. It helps blend ingredients …

What it is

Stearoyl lactylate is a food additive made from stearic acid and lactic acid. Stearic acid is a fatty acid that can come from animal or vegetable sources, while lactic acid is often produced by fermenting sugars. The combination creates a compound used to improve the texture and consistency of foods.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use stearoyl lactylate as an emulsifier and dough conditioner. It helps blend ingredients that don't normally mix, like oil and water, and improves the texture and volume of baked goods. It is commonly found in breads, cakes, and other baked items.

Health notes

Stearoyl lactylate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated it. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Stearoyl Lactylate

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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.