Is d-glucono-1, 5-lactone vegan?

D-glucono-1, 5-lactone, commonly known as glucono delta-lactone or GDL, is an organic compound used as a food acidulant, leavening agent, and coagulant. Commercially, it is produced through the microbial fermentation of glucose derived from plant starches, such as corn or rice, typically using the mold Aspergillus niger. The resulting gluconic acid is concentrated and crystallized to form a neutral powder that slowly hydrolyzes into an acid when mixed with water. It appears frequently as a curdling agent in silken tofu, as a leavening acid in refrigerated doughs and baked goods, and as a stabilizer or acidity regulator in canned vegetables, sauces, and dessert mixes.

d-glucono-1, 5-lactone is vegan because its industrial manufacture relies entirely on plant starches, mineral salts, and microbial culture. Animal products are not utilized as raw materials, processing aids, or nutrients during the fermentation and crystallization processes. Because it is exclusively of plant and microbial origin, this ingredient is suitable for a vegan diet.