Sodium lactate
Learn what Sodium lactate (E481) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Generally recognized as safeWhat is Sodium lactate?
A semi-synthetic food additive used as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It is used in cereals, snacks, desserts, sugar-based confectionery, fine bakery products, canned meat products, dietary products, as a clarifying agent for beverages, in some types of bread, certain liqueurs, and in some fat emulsions.
Why is Sodium lactate added to food?
Sodium lactate (E481) is a stabilizer commonly found in: Bakery products, canned goods.
Permitted quantity: The daily intake limit for human consumption is up to 20 mg/kg body weight.
Is Sodium lactate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Sodium lactate okay for kids?
Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Sodium lactate
- Bakery products
- canned goods
How to spot Sodium lactate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E481
- Sodium lactate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- sodium lactdte
- sodium lactate
- sodium ldctate
- sodium laetate
- $odium lactate
- sodlum lactate
Better alternatives
• People with sensitivity or allergy to lactose or other milk-derived products should avoid foods containing sodium lactate, as it may contain traces of lactose. • People with kidney insufficiency should be cautious with sodium lactate consumption, as excessive sodium intake can put additional pressure on the kidneys. • People following a low-sodium diet for health reasons (e.g., hypertension) should avoid foods containing sodium lactate to prevent excess sodium intake.
Also known as
- sodium lactdte
- sodium lactate
- sodium ldctate
- sodium laetate
- $odium lactate
- sodlum lactate
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Sodium lactate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E481 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium lactate
- Is Sodium lactate safe to eat?
- Sodium lactate has a harm level of 0 out of 3. Generally recognized as safe.
- Is Sodium lactate banned anywhere?
- Sodium lactate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Sodium lactate safe for children?
- Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Sodium lactate on a food label?
- Look for E481, Sodium lactate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: sodium lactdte, sodium lactate, sodium ldctate.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.