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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use vegetable stearate as an anti-caking agent, helping to prevent powdered ingredients from …
What it is
Vegetable stearate is a salt of stearic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in many plant-based oils and fats. It is typically produced by reacting stearic acid with a mineral salt, such as calcium or magnesium. This process creates a white powder that is insoluble in water.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use vegetable stearate as an anti-caking agent, helping to prevent powdered ingredients from clumping together. It is also used as a lubricant in tablet manufacturing and as a flow agent in food powders. You can find it in products like popcorn, seeds, and snack mixes.
Health notes
In the U.S., vegetable stearate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated similar fatty acid salts, and they are considered safe when consumed at typical levels. There are no widespread health concerns associated with its use in food.
Allergen info
Vegetable stearate is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.