Stearic acid, or octadecanoic acid, is a common saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C₁₇H₃₅COOH. The addition of “triple-pressed” denotes a more refined stearic acid that, when compared to double-pressed stearic acid, has a significantly lower iodine content. Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem carries 3 types of stearic acid in its expansive inventory: powdered, flaked, and our featured product, triple-pressed stearic acid. 

Stearic acid occurs naturally in both plants and animals as a glycerol bound to a fatty acid chain. It has abundant uses across industries. Up to 30% of animal fat is composed of stearic acid while less than 5% vegetable oil is stearic acid. Most vegetable-based stearic acids used industrially are from palm oil; plant-based triple-pressed stearic acid is a white, waxy solid. Animal-based stearic acid is readily recognized as tallow.

Here are some examples of how to use triple-pressed stearic acid:

• Triple-pressed stearic acid has a distinct odor and is not generally added directly to foods as a flavor enhancer. The properties it possesses as a lubricant, emulsifier, and softener give it ideal uses for chewing gum. Because stearic acid is present in animal fats, most animal-based products from milk and cheese to raw chicken and chicken tenders contain stearic acid. It is also present in grains, so baked goods and nuts also contain a small amount of natural stearic acid. 

• It is a key ingredient in the creation of stearates, such as calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, potassium stearate, and sodium stearate. Along with stearates, triple-pressed stearic acid helps produce a long list of emulsifiers, including monoglycerides, polysorbates, and sucrose esters of fatty acids.  

• If you ever wondered how grocery store fruits maintain their fresh appearance after they have been cut and arranged on a party tray, you can thank stearic acid. When combined with other additives, stearic acid acts as a barrier to prevent the loss of water from the fruit to its environment. This coating process extends to candy and chocolate products.

• Cosmetics find stearic acid a powerhouse for its varied functions. Along with acting as a barrier for the skin – much like with fruit – it prevents drying of damaged skin. Shampoo and conditioner with triple-pressed stearic acid as an ingredient leave hair feeling soft and fuller. By acting as an emulsifier, stearic acid stabilizes and thickens lotions and ointments. Customers enjoy the fresh, cool feel of stearic acid on their skin. In bar soap, stearic acid creates a creamy lather, which makes it perfect for another product – shaving cream. 

• The thickening action of stearic acid gives it a starring role in the manufacture of candles. A soft candle burns more rapidly, so adding triple-pressed stearic acid will solidify the candle while it stabilizes the candle’s aroma, giving a long-lasting candle that holds its fragrance from one use to the next. 

• The coating action of stearic acid on foods becomes a lubricating action when applied to pharmaceutical products, such as capsules and tablets. 

Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem is based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including triple-pressed stearic acid. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.