Ingredient

Vegetable L-cysteine

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use vegetable L-cysteine as a dough conditioner in baked goods like breads and …

What it is

Vegetable L-cysteine is an amino acid that can be produced from plant-based sources, such as wheat or corn. It is often manufactured through fermentation or enzymatic processes. L-cysteine is a building block for proteins.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use vegetable L-cysteine as a dough conditioner in baked goods like breads and pizza crusts. It helps improve dough texture, making it easier to work with and resulting in a softer final product. It can also be used to enhance flavors.

Health notes

Vegetable L-cysteine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated L-cysteine, and EFSA has also reviewed its safety. At typical consumption levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

Vegetable L-cysteine is derived from plant sources like wheat or corn. While wheat is a major allergen, the L-cysteine produced from it is typically highly purified, and it is not considered a major allergen itself. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Vegetable L-cysteine

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Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Mini Pizza With Pepperoni Kit Lunch Snacks & Combinations High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 147kcal 7.1Protein 7.1Fat 14.1Carbs Traditional White Pocket-Less Pita, Traditional White Kontos Foods Inc. Traditional White Pocket-Less Pita, Traditional White Breads & Buns 291kcal 10.1Protein 5.7Fat 50.6Carbs Onion Flatbread Kontos Foods Inc. Onion Flatbread Breads & Buns 291kcal 10.1Protein 5.7Fat 49.4Carbs Jumbo Foods, Inc. Smoked Turkey Pita Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 84% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 223kcal 11.5Protein 6.5Fat 28.4Carbs Multigrain With Whole Grain Flatbread, Whole Grain Kontos Foods Inc. Multigrain With Whole Grain Flatbread, Whole Grain Breads & Buns 291kcal 10.1Protein 6.3Fat 49.4Carbs Pre-Oiled 7"" Gyro Bread Loaves Kontos Foods Inc. Pre-Oiled 7"" Gyro Bread Loaves Breads & Buns 291kcal 10.1Protein 5.7Fat 50.6Carbs Safeway, Inc. Hummus & Grilled Pita Cheddar Cheese Cubes, Hummus, Pita Flatbread, Grape Tomatoes, Carrots, And Celery Snack Box, Hummus & Grilled Pita Lunch Snacks & Combinations High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 75% DV per serving 218kcal 10.7Protein 14.1Fat 15.1Carbs Kontos Foods Inc. Traditional Tandoori Nan, Traditional Breads & Buns 291kcal 10.1Protein 5.7Fat 50.6Carbs Kontos Foods Inc. Toasted Pita Bits Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 368kcal 10.7Protein 3.6Fat 64.3Carbs Kontos Foods Inc. Whole Wheat Pocket-Less Pita Breads & Buns 291kcal 12.7Protein 6.3Fat 48.1Carbs Kontos Foods Inc. Greek Lifestyle Flatbread Breads & Buns 254kcal 21.1Protein 7.0Fat 28.2Carbs Gilbert Foods LLC. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus With Mini Flat Bread, Carrot, Zucchini & Radish Lunch Snacks & Combinations 150kcal 3.8Protein 9.4Fat 15.0Carbs
Niacin (12 products) Reduced Iron (12 products) Riboflavin (12 products) Folic Acid (12 products) Salt (12 products) Sorbic Acid (12 products) Unbleached Unbromated Enriched Flour (12 products) Vegetable Mono- And Diglycerides (12 products) Fumaric Acid (12 products) A Preservative (11 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.