E570 Stearic acid

E570EmulsifiersOrigin: Plant or animal

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganDepends

Depends on the source: palm, soy or tallow. Only a vegan label confirms it.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalDepends

Animal-fat stearic acid needs halal certification.

KosherDepends

Depends on the source; check the certificate.

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Stearic acid (E570) is a fatty acid that firms fats, keeps chewing gum from sticking, and helps soaps and candles set. It is a normal dietary fat, but its source is often animal, so vegans and halal eaters should check.

88/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE570

Comes fromPlant or animal

What it doesEmulsifiers

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledStearic acid, Octadecanoic acid

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Generally recognized as safe in the US as a fatty acid ingredient. The EU and Canada permit it for listed uses, such as release agents and firming fats. No daily limit is set, since it is a normal dietary fat.

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

What is it?

Stearic acid is a waxy, white solid. In food it keeps fats firm, helps release a product from its mold and prevents foaming. It is the saturated fat in cocoa butter, which is why it melts cleanly in the mouth.

Where it comes from: A saturated fatty acid found in cocoa butter, shea and tallow. Commercial stearic acid comes from palm, soy or animal fat, and the label does not say which.

Why it’s in food

Firms chewing gum base
Releases candy from molds
Stops foaming in oil
Keeps fat blends from going soft

Often found in

Chewing gumChocolate and confectioneryFrying oilShortening blendsGum base

Also listed as: Stearic acid, Octadecanoic acid, Fatty acid, Stearate acid

Health & gut impact

Heart healthBenefit

In controlled trials, stearic acid raised LDL cholesterol less than other saturated fats such as palmitic acid did.

Mensink et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003)

Saturated fat totalUnder study

Stearic acid still counts toward saturated fat on the label. Eating many foods that use it adds to that total.

US Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Fats and gum without animal-source stearic acid

Plant-based picks

Certified vegan

Vegan chewing gum

Gum base made without animal fats.

Shop vegan chewing gum Opens your country’s Amazon store

Certified vegan

Vegan chocolate bar

Dark chocolate made with plant fats.

Shop vegan dark chocolate Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry staple

Organic cocoa butter

Pure cocoa fat for homemade chocolate.

Shop cocoa butter Opens your country’s Amazon store

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What can I use instead?

Cocoa butter

Ratio: 1:1

Best for: Chocolate and molds

Sunflower oil blend

Ratio: To label

Best for: Frying without foaming

More emulsifiers:

Acetylated monoglycerides E472aAcetylated monoglycerides (E472a) are fat-based emulsifiers that help bread hold air and keep whipped toppings stable. They are common in bakery and generally considered safe; check the source fat if you avoid animal ingredients.Use in moderation Ammonium phosphatides E442Ammonium phosphatides (E442) are a chocolate emulsifier made from vegetable oil. They are an alternative to soy lecithin when a recipe needs chocolate to flow, and they are considered safe.Generally safe 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 Calcium stearoyl lactylate E482Calcium stearoyl lactylate (E482) is a dough strengthener that helps bread rise and stay soft. Its fat source varies, so vegans and people following halal or kosher rules should check the label.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is stearic acid vegan?

It depends on the source. Plant-derived stearic acid is vegan. Stearic acid from tallow is not, and most labels do not say which.

Is Stearic acid safe?

Generally safe (88/100). Generally recognized as safe in the US as a fatty acid ingredient. The EU and Canada permit it for listed uses, such as release agents and firming fats. No daily limit is set, since it is a normal dietary fat.

Is Stearic acid vegan?

Depends. Depends on the source: palm, soy or tallow. Only a vegan label confirms it.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E570
Mensink et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003)
US Dietary Guidelines for Americans

INS 570 · CAS 57-11-4