Sodium caseinate
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Casein is a milk protein.
It is a milk protein. Certifiers still want a halal source of any enzymes used upstream.
It is dairy, not pareve.
It is protein, used in small amounts in a creamer.
The lactose was mostly removed when the protein was isolated.
Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.
Rules by country
Sodium caseinate is a milk protein, not an E-number. US labeling allows a creamer to say non-dairy and still contain sodium caseinate, provided the ingredient list identifies the caseinate as a milk derivative. It is a milk allergen. Lactose intolerance is a different problem: caseinate is the protein, and most of the milk sugar was washed away.
What is it?
The powder emulsifies fat into water, so creamers, whipped toppings and processed cheese stay smooth. It also browns and adds dairy flavor.
Where it comes from: Sodium caseinate is casein, the main protein of milk, dissolved with sodium hydroxide so it stays mixed into watery foods. Cheesemakers coagulate that same protein into curds. Here it stays soluble, which is why a coffee creamer can look creamy without much cream.
Why it’s in food
- Emulsifies non-dairy creamers
- Stabilizes whipped toppings
- Adds dairy protein to a bar
- Helps processed cheese melt
Often found in
Also listed as: Sodium caseinate, Caseinate, Sodium casein
Health & gut impact
Caseinate is still casein. A milk allergy applies to it even when the package says non-dairy.
US allergen labeling of milk ingredients
US rules let a creamer say non-dairy when the whitener is caseinate, and they require the ingredient list to call that caseinate a milk derivative.
FDA food-labeling rules for caseinate in nondairy foods
What can I use instead?
Related
More emulsifiers:
Common questions
Is sodium caseinate vegan?
No. It is casein from milk.
Why does my non-dairy creamer list it?
US labels may say non-dairy and still use sodium caseinate, if they identify it as a milk derivative.
Is Sodium caseinate safe?
Use in moderation (74/100). Sodium caseinate is a milk protein, not an E-number. US labeling allows a creamer to say non-dairy and still contain sodium caseinate, provided the ingredient list identifies the caseinate as a milk derivative. It is a milk allergen. Lactose intolerance is a different problem: caseinate is the protein, and most of the milk sugar was washed away.
Is Sodium caseinate vegan?
No. Casein is a milk protein.
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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
- US allergen labeling of milk ingredients
- FDA food-labeling rules for caseinate in nondairy foods