Is Sodium Lactate Vegetarian?

Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid and is commonly used in the food industry as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It has hygroscopic properties, meaning it can attract and retain moisture, which helps in extending the shelf life of food products. Sodium lactate is typically found in processed meats, poultry, and baked goods. Although it can be derived from milk, it is often synthetically produced from non-dairy sources, making it potentially suitable for vegans depending on the manufacturing process.