Digestoa
Additive · Emulsifier

Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481)

Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481) is an emulsifier that Digestoa rates as low concern — it's considered safe at the levels used in food.

Digestoa riskLow risk
TypeEmulsifier
Found inice cream, margarine, packaged bread, sauces and many ultra-processed foods

What is Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate?

Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481) is an emulsifier — used to keep oil and water from separating.

Is Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate bad for you?

Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate is permitted in food and Digestoa rates it as low concern. There's no strong evidence it causes harm at the levels typically used in food.

What foods contain Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate?

Ice cream, margarine, packaged bread, sauces and many ultra-processed foods.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate. It's one of the more benign things on an ingredients list — worth knowing, not worth worrying about.

Safer swaps

Pick products with short, recognisable ingredient lists, or those using lecithin (E322).

Frequently asked questions

Is E481 the same as Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate?
Yes — E481 is the international additive (E-number) code for Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate.
Is Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate bad for you?
Digestoa rates Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate?
No significant side effects are associated with Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate?
Ice cream, margarine, packaged bread, sauces and many ultra-processed foods.
How can I avoid Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate?
Check the ingredients list for "Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate" or "E481", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related emulsifier additives

Polysorbate 80 (E433)Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (E466)Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids (E471)DATEM (E472E)Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) (E476)Lecithins (E322)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.