E481 Sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL)

E481EmulsifiersOrigin: Plant or animal

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Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganDepends

Usually from plant fats, but the source is rarely stated. Look for a vegan logo.

Full answer ›

Gluten-freeYes

SSL itself has no gluten, but it's mostly used in wheat bread.

HalalDepends

Could be made from animal fat. Look for halal certification.

KosherDepends

Could be made from animal fat. Look for kosher certification.

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Sodium stearoyl lactylate (E481) makes bread softer and keeps it fresh longer. It's safe in the amounts used, but it may be made from animal fat.

85/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE481

Comes fromPlant or animal

What it doesEmulsifiers

Glycemic index—

Daily limit22 mg/kg

Also calledSodium stearoyl lactylate, Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate

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Certified vegan sandwich bread

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Plant-based swap

Sunflower lecithin powder

A plant-based dough softener for home baking.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada with limits for each food. EFSA re-checked it in 2013 and set a group limit of 22 mg per kg of body weight a day, well above typical intake.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

1.5 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 22 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 440 mg a day.

What is it?

SSL is an emulsifier that strengthens dough and slows the staling of bread. Despite "lactylate" in the name, it contains no milk: the lactic acid is made by fermenting plant sugars.

Where it comes from: Made by joining stearic acid, a fatty acid, with lactic acid. The stearic acid usually comes from palm or soybean oil but can come from animal fat.

Why it’s in food

Keeps bread soft for days
Strengthens dough for machine handling
Helps whipped toppings and creamers stay smooth
Mixes fat and water in cake mixes

Often found in

Sandwich bread and bunsCake and pancake mixesCoffee creamerWhipped toppingsTortillasSnack cakes

Also listed as: Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate, SSL, Sodium stearoyl lactate, Calcium stearoyl lactylate, E482

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewBenefit

EFSA found no safety concern at current use levels, and typical intake stays well below the daily limit.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2013)

DairyBenefit

It contains no milk or lactose, despite its name.

The Vegetarian Resource Group, Guide to Food Ingredients

What can I use instead?

Lecithin

Ratio: To label

Best for: Bread and cake mixes

DATEM

Ratio: To label

Best for: Bread dough strength

Is it vegan?

More emulsifiers:

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) kept the citrus flavor from floating to the top of some sodas. The FDA banned it in 2024 because of thyroid effects, so check older or imported citrus drinks.Best to avoid DATEM (Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) E472eDATEM (E472e) is a dough strengthener that gives sandwich bread its tall, soft crumb. It's safe, but the fat it's made from may be animal-based.Generally safe Lecithin (Soy / Sunflower) E322Lecithin (E322) is a natural fat from soy or sunflower that keeps chocolate, dressings and baked goods smooth. It's safe, vegan and gluten-free. People with a soy allergy should look for sunflower lecithin.Generally safe Mono- and Diglycerides E471Mono- and diglycerides (E471) are emulsifiers that can be made from plants or from pork or beef fat. They're only vegan, halal or kosher when the product is certified.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Sodium stearoyl lactylate safe?

Generally safe (85/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada with limits for each food. EFSA re-checked it in 2013 and set a group limit of 22 mg per kg of body weight a day, well above typical intake.

Is Sodium stearoyl lactylate vegan?

Depends. Usually from plant fats, but the source is rarely stated. Look for a vegan logo.

Is Sodium stearoyl lactylate gluten-free?

Yes. SSL itself has no gluten, but it's mostly used in wheat bread.

Does sodium stearoyl lactylate contain dairy?

No. The "lactylate" part comes from lactic acid, which is made from plant sugars, not milk.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 172.846 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E481
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2013)
The Vegetarian Resource Group, Guide to Food Ingredients

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 481 · CAS 25383-99-7