E-number database
E481 / E482 stearoyl lactylates and E483 stearyl tartrate
Sodium and calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate share a stearic-acid source question. Stearyl tartrate (E483) is the same plant-versus-animal fat story with tartaric acid instead of lactic acid.
- E481 INS 481 Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate Source-dependent Halal if verified Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481, SSL) is a dough strengthener made from stearic acid plus lactic acid. plantHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified
- E482 INS 482 Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate Source-dependent Halal if verified Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E482, CSL) is the calcium salt of the same stearoyl lactylate as E481. plantHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified
- E483 INS 483 Stearyl tartrate Source-dependent Halal if verified E483 is stearyl alcohol esterified with tartaric acid. Tartaric acid is plant/fermentation; the stearyl chain may be palm or tallow. plantHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified
How they differ
Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481, SSL) and calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E482, CSL) strengthen dough and keep bread soft; you find them in sliced bread, burger buns, tortillas and cake mixes. Stearyl tartrate (E483) does a similar job with tartaric acid in place of lactic acid.
Lactic and tartaric acid are Halal. All three turn on the stearic acid or stearyl chain, which can come from palm and other vegetable fats or from tallow. Large bakery suppliers mostly use palm-based grades, but an unmarked label does not say so.
On the label
- SSL and CSL on an American label are E481 and E482.
- A vegetarian or vegan claim, or a Halal mark, settles the fat source.
- For supermarket bread without either, ask the bakery or brand which grade they use.
Frequently asked questions
Is sodium stearoyl lactylate Halal?
Halal when the stearic acid is plant-based or from Halal-slaughtered animals. Unmarked, it is Halal if verified.
Does E481 contain milk?
No. “Lactylate” comes from lactic acid, which is made by fermentation; it is not a dairy ingredient.