L-Cysteine
Also known as: Cysteine
Flavoring AgentsLeavening Agents
Safety rating
Generally Safe
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
L-Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid used as a flavoring agent, leavening agent, and dough conditioner, breaking down disulfide bonds in gluten to improve dough elasticity and reduce mixing time in bread, biscuits, and pastries.
Commonly found in
- —Bread
- —Biscuits and pastries
Key functions
- —Improves dough elasticity
- —Reduces mixing time
- —Enhances texture and volume
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and EFSA
- 02Animal-derived L-cysteine (from human hair or feathers) raises ethical and contamination concerns; synthetic sourcing is considered safer
- 03Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and headaches
- 04Individuals with cystinuria should avoid excessive intake