Is Stearic Acid Vegan?
CautionStearic acid (also called stearate) is a saturated fatty acid that can come from either animals or plant sources. If the label does not provide a source, we recommend calling the manufacturer.
Stearic Acid and the Vegan Diet
Stearic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid commonly used in the food industry as an emulsifier and thickening agent. It is naturally found in animal fats and some plant oils, such as cocoa butter and shea butter. In the context of food, it helps stabilize and improve the texture of products like margarine, confections, and bakery items. Stearic acid is also used in non-food products including cosmetics, detergents, and candles.
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