Comparing E481 - Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate vs E482 - Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate

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Overview

E481 - Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate

Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481) is a food emulsifier that helps water and fat mix smoothly. Bakers use it to strengthen dough, improve volume and crumb, and keep bread softer for longer. It is authorised for use in both the U.S. and the EU under specific regulations.

E482 - Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate

Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E482) is a common emulsifier and dough strengthener used in baking. It helps oil and water mix, makes dough easier to handle, and supports a soft, even crumb in bread and rolls.

Synonyms

E481

Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate

Sodium stearoyl lactylate

E482

Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate

Functions

emulsifier stabilizer

Origins

Products

Found in 6,552 products

Found in 126 products

Search rank & volume

#2551.7K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#54910 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.04

under-aware

×0.05

under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Search history data is not available.

Popular questions

Is sodium stearoyl lactylate dairy?
No—despite the name, it isn’t a dairy ingredient and contains no milk proteins or lactose; it’s made from lactic acid (from fermentation, not milk) and stearic acid.
Is sodium stearoyl lactylate bad for you?
It’s considered safe at permitted food-use levels by regulators (e.g., FDA and EU), and most people tolerate it well; adverse effects are uncommon at typical dietary intakes.
Is sodium stearoyl lactylate vegan?
Not always—stearic acid can come from either animal fat or vegetable oils, so vegans should verify the source with the manufacturer.
What is sodium stearoyl lactylate made of?
It’s a mixture of sodium salts of stearoyl lactylic acids, produced from lactic acid and stearic acid.
How is sodium stearoyl lactylate made?
It’s made by esterifying stearic acid with lactic acid, then partially neutralizing the product with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate to form the sodium salts.