| Essence |
Sodium Lactate or E325 is the sodium salt of lactic acid which presents itself as a clear and colorless liquid or a crystalline powder with a mildly salty taste and can be used as a flavor enhancer, preservative, acidity regulator, humectant, and in other ways in all kinds of foods. Lactic Acid is also a naturally occurring substance in various foods (like kefir, cheese, and yogurt) and is a byproduct of normal metabolic processes in humans. |
| Names |
Lactic acid sodium salt, Monosodium lactate, Sodium racemic lactate, Sodium 2-hydroxypropanoate, CAS 72-17-3, Neutral sodium lactate, Sodium alpha-hydroxypropionate, E325, Sodium Lactate, and others. |
| Sourcing |
Lactose or Glucose is the classical starting point for this additive. |
| Manufacturing |
To create the additive, the sourcing ingredients get fermented with Lactic Acid bacteria. The outcome of this undergoes purification (by filtration or distillation) to both remove any possible impurities and make the Lactic Acid more concentrated. Then, this acquired Lactic Acid is neutralized with typically either Sodium Carbonate or Sodium Hydroxide. This creates Sodium Lactate and Water. Then, the final step is crystallization if needed. |
| Application |
Preservative, flavor enhancer, acidity regulator, emulsifier, anti-caking agent, and humectant. |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
None determined. |
| Side Effects |
In high amounts, it can cause digestive discomforts like diarrhea, gas, and bloating. It can also contribute to overall sodium consumption levels. Hence, it may not be considered appropriate for people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or congestive heart failure. |
| Benefits |
No typical health benefits. |
| Studies |
1,180+ studies on Pubmed. 105+ studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
None (doesn’t even contain milk). |
| Diet Restrictions |
Vegan-incompatible may be a thing but is typically unlikely (it will all depend on how the fermentation process is done). No other known diet restrictions. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Fully Harmless. | Category 1 Additive. |
| Products |
Sodium Lactate (E325) can be found in processed foods like all kinds of sausages, bacon, candy, burger meat, liver pate, hams, smoked trouts, burgers, roasted meat, salads, hot dogs, ketchup, turkey breasts, packaged raw meats, deli meats in general, stuffed tomatoes, bolognese and all kind of other sauces, pesto, lardons, sandwiches, butter, pastries, pizzas, lollipops, sushis, sweets, cheese substitutes, cheese, spreads, meat patties, noodles, pancakes with filling, and more. |
