Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate Vegan?

When reading ingredient labels, you may have come across Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (SSL) and wondered whether it fits into a vegan diet. So, the question we’ll answer is: “Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate vegan?“

What is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate?

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is an additive often used in processed foods. It functions as an emulsifier, dough strengthener, and even as a whipping agent. You can find it in a variety of products, from baked goods to dairy products, and even cosmetics.

How is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate Made?

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is created through a reaction between lactic acid and stearic acid. It’s then neutralized with sodium hydroxide. Lactic acid is typically fermented from carbohydrates, while stearic acid can be derived from either animal fats or vegetable oils.

Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate Vegan?

The answer to this question can be somewhat complicated. Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate can be vegan if the stearic acid used in its production comes from plant-based sources. However, if the stearic acid is sourced from animal fats, it wouldn’t be considered vegan.

Given the ambiguity, it’s often difficult to tell whether the SSL used in a specific product is vegan-friendly without clarification from the manufacturer. In general, it is recommended to contact the company to inquire about the sources of their ingredients.

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate in a Vegan Diet

While Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate could be a part of a vegan diet if plant-sourced, the uncertainty of its origin often poses a challenge for strict vegans. Therefore, it might be preferable to choose products that either don’t contain SSL or are certified vegan, eliminating any doubt.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate can be either vegan or non-vegan, depending on the source of stearic acid used in its production. Without specific information from the manufacturer, it’s challenging to determine the exact source. Thus, if you’re a strict vegan, it might be best to avoid products containing this ingredient, unless they’re certified vegan.