E481: Sodium Stearoyl-2-lactylate
Main role: dough conditioning and emulsifying
Also listed as: sodium stearoyl lactylate, SSL
What is E481 (Sodium Stearoyl-2-lactylate)?
Sodium stearoyl lactylate is an emulsifier used to improve mixing and dough performance. It combines stearic-acid-derived and lactic-acid-derived components in a sodium salt preparation.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is dough conditioning and emulsifying. Emulsifiers help ingredients mix or remain distributed. The recipe determines whether that means dispersing fat, improving dough handling, or controlling a coating. Their presence alone does not describe the food’s overall nutritional quality.
Food and formulation examples
- Bread
- Bakery mixes
- Dessert emulsions
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E481, E 481, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium stearoyl lactylate, SSL. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
SSL does not mean sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a different substance with a similar abbreviation. Use the full food ingredient name when researching E481.
Is E481 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E481 as Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.