My diet:

E572 Magnesium stearate

E572Anti-caking agentsOrigin: Plant or animal
Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganDepends

Often plant-based, but tallow-derived stearate exists and labels rarely say which.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalDepends

Depends on the fat source; certified versions are available.

KosherDepends

Depends on the fat source; look for a kosher certification.

KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Magnesium stearate (E572) is a fine powder that stops powders and supplement tablets from sticking to machines. It is approved in food and supplements, and it is vegan only when the fat behind it is plant-based.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE572
Comes fromPlant or animal
What it doesAnti-caking agents
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledE572, Magnesium salt of stearic acid

Rules by country

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

Permitted in the US, EU and Canada as a flow agent and emulsifier in foods and supplements. It is used in small percentages 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?

Magnesium stearate is a magnesium salt of stearic acid. It coats particles so they slide past each other in machines, which is why it appears in powdered spices, drink mixes and pill presses.

Where it comes from: Made by combining stearic acid with magnesium. The stearic acid is usually from palm or soy oil, but it can also come from animal tallow, and the label rarely says which.

Why it’s in food

  • Stops powder sticking to machines
  • Keeps spice blends free-flowing
  • Helps tablets release from molds
  • Keeps dry pastes from clumping

Often found in

Spice blendsPowdered drink mixesSupplement tabletsDry pastes

Also listed as: E572, Magnesium salt of stearic acid

Health & gut impact

Amount in foodConcern

It is used in small percentages, so the amount a person takes in from food is small.

FDA 21 CFR 184.1440

What can I use instead?

Silicon dioxide (E551)

Ratio: About 1:1 for flow

Best for: Spice blends and powders

Tricalcium phosphate (E341)

Ratio: About 1:1

Best for: Powdered mixes

Related

More anti-caking agents:

Calcium Phosphates (Tricalcium Phosphate) E341Calcium phosphates (E341) keep powders flowing, make baking powder rise and add calcium to plant milks. They're safe for most people, but phosphate additives add up, which matters for anyone with kidney disease.Use in moderationDimethylpolysiloxane E900Dimethylpolysiloxane (E900) is a food-grade silicone that stops frying oil from foaming. It sounds alarming, but it's used at a few parts per million and passes through the body unabsorbed.Use in moderationMagnesium carbonate E504Magnesium carbonate (E504) is a fine mineral powder that keeps table salt and spice blends free-flowing. It's vegan, gluten-free and safe at the small levels used in food.Generally safePowdered cellulose E460Powdered cellulose (E460) is purified plant fiber that keeps shredded cheese from clumping. It's harmless to eat, but it can also be used as a cheap filler.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is magnesium stearate vegan?

Often, because most of it is made from plant fats. Some is made from animal tallow, and labels rarely say which, so ask the brand if it matters to you.

Is magnesium stearate safe?

Yes at the small levels used in food and supplements. It is approved in the US, EU and Canada.

Is Magnesium stearate safe?

Generally safe (86/100). Permitted in the US, EU and Canada as a flow agent and emulsifier in foods and supplements. It is used in small percentages of the product.

Is Magnesium stearate vegan?

Depends. Often plant-based, but tallow-derived stearate exists and labels rarely say which.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1440 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E572
  • FDA 21 CFR 184.1440

INS 572 · CAS 557-04-0