My diet:

E325 Sodium lactate

E325Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Fermented
Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Made from plant-fermented lactic acid, not from milk.

Full answer ›
Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Sodium lactate (E325) keeps deli meats moist and slows harmful bacteria such as Listeria. It's safe, dairy-free and vegan, though it adds a little sodium.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE325
Comes fromFermented
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledSodium lactate, Sodium L-lactate

Make soap and cure meat at home

For your pantry
Food-grade bottle

Sodium lactate (60% solution)

Keeps homemade sausages moist; soapmakers use it for harder bars.

Shop sodium lactate Opens your country’s Amazon store
Kitchen tool

Instant-read meat thermometer

Cooking to 165°F (74°C) is what keeps deli meat safe.

Shop meat thermometers Opens your country’s Amazon store
Starter kit

Home sausage-making kit

Casings, a stuffer and recipes for fresh sausages.

Shop sausage kits Opens your country’s Amazon store

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes our ratings.

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere with no daily limit. USDA rules allow it in meat and poultry up to 4.8% of the product.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Sodium lactate is a mild, slightly salty salt of lactic acid. In meat it holds water and slows the growth of bacteria, and in soap and cosmetics it keeps bars hard and skin moist.

Where it comes from: The sodium salt of lactic acid, which is made by fermenting plant sugars from corn or beets.

Why it’s in food

  • Slows Listeria and other bacteria in deli meat
  • Keeps cooked meats moist and tender
  • Balances acidity in sauces and candy
  • Extends the shelf life of fresh sausages

Often found in

Deli meats and hot dogsRotisserie and pre-cooked chickenFresh sausagesPlant-based meatsSauces and dressingsCandy and jams

Also listed as: Sodium lactate, Sodium L-lactate, Lactic acid sodium salt, Sodium lactate solution

Health & gut impact

Food safetyBenefit

It's one of the main tools US meat plants use to control Listeria in ready-to-eat meats.

USDA FSIS Listeria Guideline (2014)

SodiumUnder study

It adds a small amount of sodium on top of the salt already in processed meat.

USDA FoodData Central

What can I use instead?

Vinegar powder (buffered vinegar)

Ratio: To label

Best for: Clean-label deli meats

Lactic acid

Ratio: To label

Best for: Sauces and candy

Related

Is it vegan?

More acidity regulators:

Citric Acid E330Citric acid (E330) is the sour acid of lemons, made by fermentation. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly.Generally safeCream of tartar (Potassium bitartrate) E336Cream of tartar (E336) is a natural acid scraped from wine barrels. Bakers use it to whip stable meringue and to make baking powder. It's safe, vegan and fits every diet we check.Generally safeLactic acid E270Lactic acid (E270) is a mild food acid made by fermenting plant sugars. It's safe, fits every diet we check, and has nothing to do with lactose.Generally safeMalic acid E296Malic acid (E296) is the sour taste of green apples, made in a factory for candy and drinks. It's safe, though very sour candy can wear down tooth enamel.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Sodium lactate safe?

Generally safe (92/100). Approved everywhere with no daily limit. USDA rules allow it in meat and poultry up to 4.8% of the product.

Is Sodium lactate vegan?

Yes. Made from plant-fermented lactic acid, not from milk.

Is Sodium lactate gluten-free?

Yes.

Is sodium lactate dairy?

No. Despite the name, it's made from lactic acid fermented from plant sugars and contains no milk or lactose.

Spotted a mistake on this page? Report it ›

Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1768 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E325
  • USDA FSIS Listeria Guideline (2014)
  • USDA FoodData Central

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 325 · CAS 72-17-3