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Typical source

Stearic acid (plant or animal)

Plain-language explanation

Sodium stearoyl lactylate is a food additive made from reacting stearic acid (from fats or oils) with lactic acid (from fermented sugars) and sodium, used as an emulsifier to improve texture and shelf life. Its halal status depends on the source of the stearic acid: if derived from plant fats or slaughtered animal fat, it is halal, but if from non-halal animal fat, it is haram. Major certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, and MUIS consider it halal only when the source is verified as halal, so always check for halal certification on the product.