Comparing E325 - sodium lactate vs E251 - Sodium nitrate

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Overview

E325 - sodium lactate

Sodium lactate (E325) is the sodium salt of lactic acid. It helps foods stay moist, keeps acidity in balance, and can support freshness in products like deli meats and sauces. It has a mild, slightly salty taste and is widely approved by regulators.

E251 - Sodium nitrate

Sodium nitrate (E251) is a preservative used mainly in long-cured meats and a few traditional cheeses. In these foods, it acts as a slow source of nitrite, which helps keep the food safe and keeps the cured color and flavor. When used within regulations, it is considered safe for the general population.

Synonyms

E325

sodium lactate

E251

Sodium nitrate

Functions

acidity regulator humectant preservative

preservative

Origins

Products

Found in 2,190 products

Found in 818 products

Search rank & volume

#2113.3K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#7931K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.22

under-aware

×5.52

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is sodium lactate dairy?
No—sodium lactate is not a dairy ingredient; it’s made by fermenting sugars (e.g., corn or beets) and contains no lactose or milk proteins.
How much sodium lactate in soap?
Typical use in cold-process soap is 0.5–3% of the oil weight (about 1 teaspoon per pound of oils), added to cooled lye water; using too much can make bars brittle.
What does sodium lactate do in soap?
It makes bars harder and easier to unmold, helping them last longer and feel smoother; in liquid soap it also acts as a humectant.
Is sodium lactate natural?
It’s generally considered naturally derived—made by fermenting sugars to lactic acid then neutralizing with sodium—though “natural” labeling depends on local regulations.
Does sodium lactate contain dairy?
No; despite the name, it doesn’t contain milk proteins or lactose and is typically made from fermented plant sugars (if highly sensitive to dairy, you can confirm the source with the manufacturer).