Stearic acid is an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid naturally found in animal and vegetable fats. In the food industry, it is used primarily as a processing aid, lubricant, and release agent in tablet and supplement manufacturing.
Food-grade stearic acid is derived from hydrogenated vegetable oils such as palm or soy and meets strict purity requirements. It functions as an effective emulsifier and stabilizer in certain food formulations. Stearic acid is also used in the production of 食品グレード lubricants and as a component in chewing gum base formulations.