What is E481?
E481 is Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate — made from stearic and lactic acids, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
What is E481 (Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate)?
E481 is the E-number for sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate, one of the emulsifiers group of food additives (E400–E499). Additives in this group help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water. Made from stearic and lactic acids, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Like every E-number, E481 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E481 in detail below.
Where is E481 found?
E481 is typically used in bread, margarine, chocolate, ice cream, cakes and processed foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E481) or by its full name, sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate. Common foods that may contain E481 include:
- Bread
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Cakes and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E481 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E481 safe?
E481 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E481.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E481 vegan?
E481 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from stearic and lactic acids, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E481 →Is E481 halal?
E481 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from stearic and lactic acids, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E481 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E481 in food?
E481 is Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate — made from stearic and lactic acids, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, used as a emulsifier to help help mix ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water.
Is E481 safe to eat?
Yes. E481 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E481 vegan?
E481 is uncertain for vegans — it is made from stearic and lactic acids, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E481 halal?
E481 is mashbooh (doubtful) — made from stearic and lactic acids, which can be plant (including palm) or animal derived. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).