ESTOSOFT-SSL Sodium stearoyl lactylate is an emulsifier with a very high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) and is therefore an excellent emulsifier for fat-in-water emulsions. It also functions as a humectant. It finds widespread application in baked goods, liqueurs, cereals, chewing gum, desserts, and powdered beverage mixes. Stearoyl lactylates are found in the majority of manufactured breads, buns, wraps and , and many similar bread-based products. Because of its efficiency as an emulsifier, it is possible to use less of it than other similar additives; for example, it can be used in quantities only a tenth as large as soya-based emulsifiers.
It is most widely used in bread as it has high capacity for water adsorption, give more volume to dough resulting extra loafs which adds profit to bakers.