Is L-Cysteine (E920) Vegan?

Vegan status: Depends on Source

E-number: E920

Also known as: Cysteine, L-Cysteine hydrochloride

Source

Can be derived from: (1) human hair or duck/pig feathers [not vegan], (2) petroleum byproducts [vegan], or (3) fermented corn [vegan]. Source varies by manufacturer and is rarely specified on labels.

Commonly found in

Commercial bread, pizza dough, pastries — used as a dough conditioner to improve texture and reduce mixing time.

Vegan alternative: No direct alternative. Contact the manufacturer to ask about their cysteine source.

Notes

The majority of L-Cysteine commercially available is still derived from poultry feathers or human hair. Some manufacturers use synthetic or fermented plant-based cysteine — ask directly.