Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Calcium Stearoyl-2-lactylate vegan?
Also known as: CSL, E482
E-number: E482
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Source can be plant or animal.
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It depends — It is made from lactic acid and stearic acid.
01 · The basics
What is Calcium Stearoyl-2-lactylate?
A versatile food additive used as an emulsifier and dough strengthener in commercial baking.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
It is made from lactic acid and stearic acid. While the lactic acid is vegan, the stearic acid can be derived from animal tallow or vegetable oils.
03 · Alternatives
Best vegan alternatives
Plant-derived E482
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Frequently asked
FAQ
Is E482 vegan?
It depends on the source of the stearic acid. Many large bakeries use vegetable-sourced CSL, but verification is required.
Does it contain dairy?
No, despite having 'calcium' and 'lactylate' in the name, it is a synthetic mineral salt and contains no milk proteins.
Commonly found in
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Other emulsifier ingredients
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin)
A sweet, syrupy liquid used as a humectant in foods and cosmetics.
E471 (Mono- and diglycerides)
A common emulsifier used in baked goods, ice cream, and margarine.
E481 (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate)
An emulsifier used to improve the texture of baked goods.
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Related ingredients
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin)
A sweet, syrupy liquid used as a humectant in foods and cosmetics.
E920 (L-Cysteine)
A dough conditioner used in commercial bread baking.
Calcium Carbonate
A common mineral used as a white food coloring, an anti-caking agent, and a calcium supplement.
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