E570

E570 is the food additive code for stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C18H36O2. It is also known by its systematic name, octadecanoic acid. Stearic acid occurs naturally in both animal fats (such as tallow) and plant fats (including cocoa butter and various vegetable oils). It is a long-chain fatty acid with a relatively high melting point and is insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents.

In the context of the European Union’s food additive numbering, E570 is used to designate stearic acid as a food ingredient. It is commonly applied as a processing aid, emulsifier, or texture modifier in a range of fat-containing products. Practical roles include helping to adjust firmness or mouthfeel, facilitating release from molds or forms, and serving as a surface fat or glazing component in certain confectionery, bakery, and dairy products. Because stearic acid is a natural constituent of many foods, it is typically present at low levels in the diet.

Regulatory and safety notes indicate that stearic acid used as E570 is broadly permitted in many jurisdictions and is considered safe for consumption at customary dietary levels. No separate numerical acceptable daily intake is generally established, since stearic acid is a common dietary fatty acid and is regarded as having low toxicity. Beyond food, stearic acid is also used in cosmetics and soaps as an emulsifier and thickener, but in those contexts it is described outside the food additive framework.