Sodium stearate is produced by the saponification of stearic acid with sodium hydroxide. This creates a white, water-dispersible powder with strong emulsifying and gelling properties. As an anionic surfactant, it effectively reduces surface tension and stabilizes emulsions in aqueous food systems.
Sodium stearate forms opaque gels in water at concentrations above its critical micelle concentration, which can be utilized for texture modification in certain food applications. The ingredient also functions as a lubricant and release agent during food processing and packaging operations. It meets food-grade purity requirements and is approved for direct food contact applications in major regulatory jurisdictions.
