# Sodium Palmitate

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 408-35-5
**Category:** stabilizer
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Sodium palmitate is a sodium salt of palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid commonly used in food production as a stabilizer, anti-caking agent, and formulation aid. It helps maintain product consistency and prevent clumping in powdered and dry food products.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Sodium Palmitate?

Sodium palmitate (CAS Number: 408-35-5) is the sodium salt derived from palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid found naturally in various fats and oils. It appears as a white to off-white powder or granule and is widely used in the food industry as a multi-functional additive. The compound serves primarily as a stabilizer, anti-caking agent, and formulation aid in various food applications.

## Common Uses

Sodium palmitate is employed across multiple food categories where its functional properties provide value:

- **Powdered products**: Used in dry mixes, instant beverages, and powdered seasonings to prevent clumping and improve flow properties
- **Formulation aid**: Assists in maintaining uniform distribution of ingredients in food formulations
- **Release agent**: Prevents sticking in manufacturing processes for baked goods and other products
- **Stabilizer**: Helps maintain product consistency and texture throughout shelf life

The compound's hydrophobic nature makes it particularly effective in products where moisture control and particle separation are important manufacturing considerations.

## Safety Assessment

Sodium palmitate presents a safety profile with limited concerns based on available data:

**FDA Data**: The additive has recorded zero adverse events reported to the FDA and zero recalls associated with its use, indicating a strong historical safety record in food applications.

**Composition Safety**: As a sodium salt of a naturally occurring fatty acid, sodium palmitate is chemically similar to compounds already present in common foods. Palmitic acid itself is one of the most abundant saturated fatty acids in the human diet, found in palm oil, animal fats, dairy products, and nuts.

**Regulatory Context**: While sodium palmitate does not hold FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in the United States, this designation is not a prerequisite for food use. Many additives function legally in food without explicit GRAS status through other regulatory pathways, including prior sanctioned uses or food additive petitions.

**Dietary Considerations**: As a salt of palmitic acid, sodium palmitate contributes marginally to dietary sodium and saturated fat intake at typical usage levels. However, individuals managing sodium or fat intake should be aware of its presence in products.

## Regulatory Status

Sodium palmitate's regulatory status varies internationally:

- **United States**: Permitted for use in food as a formulation aid and stabilizer under FDA regulations, though it lacks GRAS status
- **European Union**: Approved as food additive E562 in specific food categories with defined maximum levels
- **Other jurisdictions**: Status varies by country; commonly approved in developed food regulatory systems

The lack of GRAS status does not indicate a safety concern but rather reflects the specific regulatory pathway through which the additive gained approval.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on sodium palmitate remains limited compared to more extensively studied additives. Available research focuses on:

- **Palmitic acid metabolism**: General studies on palmitic acid (the parent compound) show it is metabolized similarly to other dietary saturated fatty acids
- **Safety assessments**: Regulatory agencies including the FDA and EFSA have evaluated the safety of palmitate salts without identifying significant hazards at typical food use levels
- **Functional performance**: Manufacturing research documents its effectiveness as an anti-caking and flow-promotion agent in powder formulations

The absence of extensive clinical studies reflects both the compound's long history of use and its relatively minor dietary contribution at typical usage levels.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Sodium Palmitate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/sodium-palmitate. Accessed 2026-05-19.