Is Calcium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate (E482) Vegan?

Also known as: Calcium stearoyl lactylate, Calcium stearoyl lactate, CSL, INS 482(i)

Related additives: Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481)

Depends on Source

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate depends on its stearic acid. Tallow or vegetable oil can supply that stearic acid, and E482 does not say which. Ask the supplier which fat or oil it came from.

What is Calcium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate?

Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E482) is the calcium salt of stearic acid joined to lactic acid. It conditions dough and stabilizes emulsions and foams.

Which animal, and does it die

Comes from: cattle, sheep or pig, via tallow- or lard-derived stearic acid
Requires slaughter: Yes

Vegetarian depends on the source

From a mammalRelevant to alpha-gal syndrome
Pig is a common sourceRelevant to halal and kosher diets

These flags describe sourcing. They are not an allergen assessment, and a vegan label is not a free-from claim. If you have an allergy, read the allergen declaration on the pack.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Depends on Source

E-Number

E482

Also Known As

Calcium stearoyl lactylate; Calcium stearoyl lactate; CSL; INS 482(i)

Source

Commercial stearic acid is esterified with lactic acid and the product is neutralized to the calcium salt. Stearic acid comes from hydrolyzed tallow or from hydrogenated vegetable oils such as cottonseed oil. Food-grade lactic acid is made by fermenting carbohydrates or by chemical synthesis from acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.

Commonly Found In

Yeast-raised bakery products and dehydrated potatoes as conditioners, and whipped vegetable oil toppings and liquid or dried egg whites as whipping agents, as listed in US food additive rules.

Vegan Alternative

Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate made with vegetable-oil stearic acid, confirmed by the supplier or by a certified vegan mark.

Additional Notes

The label shows only the name or E482. Ask the supplier whether the stearic acid came from vegetable oil or tallow, or look for a certified vegan mark on the finished product.

Frequently asked questions

Is E482 the same as E481?

No. E481 is the sodium salt and E482 the calcium salt of stearoyl lactylic acid. Both start from commercial stearic acid, so both carry the same source question.

Does calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate contain dairy?

The JECFA definition lists only stearic acid, lactic acid and calcium. US rules describe lactic acid as made by fermenting carbohydrates such as glucose, sucrose or lactose, or by chemical synthesis, so the additive is not a milk protein or milk fat ingredient.