Is e326 vegan?

E326 is the European food additive code for potassium lactate, which is the potassium salt of lactic acid. It functions primarily as a preservative, acidity regulator, and humectant. Food manufacturers use it in a variety of items, including packaged baked goods, sauces, dressings, confectionery, plant-based meat substitutes, and ready meals to maintain moisture and inhibit microbial growth.

This additive is produced commercially by neutralizing lactic acid with a mineral potassium base, such as potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. The lactic acid itself is obtained through the microbial fermentation of simple sugars derived from plant materials, including corn starch, sugar beets, or sugarcane molasses.

E326 is vegan because it is derived entirely from plant, mineral, and microbial sources. Although the term lactate often causes consumers to confuse it with dairy lactose, lactic acid and its resulting salts have no connection to milk. No animal tissues or animal-derived processing aids are used during the manufacturing of potassium lactate, making it suitable for vegans.