E481 Emulsifier

E481 is a versatile, FDA-approved food additive used to improve the mix tolerance and volume of processed foods. It is one type of commercially available lactylate. E481 is non-toxic, biodegradable, and typically manufactured using biorenewable feedstocks. Because E481 is a safe and highly effective food additive, it is used in a wide variety of products ranging from baked goods and desserts to pet foods.

As described by the Food Chemicals Codex 7th edition, E481 is a cream-colored powder or brittle solid.E481 is currently manufactured by the esterification of stearic acid with lactic acid and partially neutralized with either food-grade soda ash (sodium carbonate) or caustic soda (concentrated sodium hydroxide). Commercial grade E481 is a mixture of E481 acids and minor proportions of other sodium salts of related acids. The HLB for E481  is 10-12. E481 is slightly hygroscopic, soluble in ethanol and in hot oil or fat, and dispersible in warm water. These properties are the reason that E481 is an excellent emulsifier for fat-in-water emulsions. and can also function as a humectant.