E481 — Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate
Emulsifier and dough conditioner
Also known as: SSL · Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Verification required
Verify — Mushbooh
Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
Checking this in a shop right now?
Vegan / vegetarian label on pack → plant-based source → safe for this code
HFA / HMC / IFANCA / JAKIM logo → independently certified → safe
Neither? Follow the steps below.
School of Thought Breakdown
Hanafi
Verify source
Maliki
May permit
Shafi'i
Avoid if animal
Hanbali
Avoid if animal
The lactic acid component is generally halal. The stearic acid component requires verification - animal-derived stearic acid may be from pork or beef.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim
If present, E481 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.
Look for a halal certification logo on the pack
An HFA, HMC, IFANCA, JAKIM, or ESMA logo means the source has been independently audited. The E-code is confirmed halal in this product.
Neither? Here's what to do next:
Put it back and look for a certified alternative on the same shelf.
Check for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo, or labelled "suitable for vegans". Either confirms a safe source.
Did you find a certified alternative?
Halal bread — free from animal-derived emulsifiers:
Browse halal alternatives on AmazonAmazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
About E481
Emulsifiers and stabilizers - salts or esters of fatty acids. Suitable for vegetarian label indicates that only vegetable fat is used as a source.. Haraam if it is from pork fat. Halal if it is from plant fat
Verification Required
This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.
What is E481 made from?
- lactic acid (plant/fermentation)
- stearic acid - can be animal or vegetable
Foods that commonly contain E481
Food Category Guide
E481 is common in bread — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E481 (Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate) halal?
E481 (Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
What is E481 used for?
E481 is used as a emulsifier and dough conditioner in food products.
What foods contain E481?
E481 (Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate) is commonly found in: bread, biscuits, coffee whiteners, whipped toppings.
What is E481 made from?
E481 can be derived from the following sources: lactic acid (plant/fermentation), stearic acid - can be animal or vegetable.
What are the other names for E481?
E481 may appear on food labels as: SSL, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate.
thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers — 69 E-codes: 30 Halal, 0 Haraam, 39 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers
Show 9 more thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers E-codes
Free weekly guide
Know before you eat — wherever you are
Join Muslims worldwide who get our weekly halal food guide — ingredient alerts, certified brand updates, and products your family can buy without second-guessing.
This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.