Description
Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate — Food Grade Bulk Supplier
CAS 148411-57-8 | +60 mV Zeta Potential | ≥95% DDA | Purity >99% | Mushroom & Insect Sources | Natural Preservative & Edible Coating Ingredient
Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate (Food Grade) is a water-soluble, low molecular weight cationic biopolymer engineered specifically for food and beverage formulation systems. Produced through controlled hydrolysis and lactate salt formation, it dissolves completely in water without acid activation making it an ideal drop-in ingredient for natural preservation, edible coating systems, beverage clarification, and dietary supplement formulations. With a zeta potential of approximately +60 mV and a degree of deacetylation ≥95%, each batch delivers consistent antimicrobial performance and clean-label compliance. Available in mushroom-derived and insect-derived variants, samples start at 25 g ($75); bulk pricing available on request.
What Is Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate — and Why Is the Lactate Salt Form Used in Food?
Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate (COS Lactate) is the lactic acid salt of short-chain chitosan oligosaccharides, typically with a molecular weight below 3,000 Da. The lactate counterion is the key differentiator that makes this form preferred for food applications over the hydrochloride (HCl) version:
- Milder flavour profile: Lactic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in fermented foods (yoghurt, cheese, kimchi). At recommended use levels, COS Lactate contributes a softer acidity than the sharper HCl salt critical for taste-sensitive food applications.
- Food-compatible sourcing: Lactic acid is an approved food additive (E270 in the EU; generally recognized as safe in the US). Using it as the salt-forming acid means the final product reads as a cleaner-label ingredient.
- Aqueous food system compatibility: COS Lactate disperses readily in neutral-to-slightly-acidic aqueous food matrices (pH 4.5–7.0) the exact pH range of most fruit coatings, meat processing dips, and beverage clarification systems.
- Regulatory alignment: The lactate form is more widely accepted in food-grade dossiers globally compared to the HCl form, which is more common in industrial and cosmetic applications.
Compare all chitosan salt forms: Chitosan Hydrochloride vs Oligosaccharide Lactate — Key Differences
The Science: How COS Lactate Extends Shelf Life and Controls Microbial Spoilage
Understanding the mechanism of action is essential for formulation chemists and food technologists evaluating natural preservatives. COS Lactate works through three complementary mechanisms:
1. Cationic Membrane Disruption
At +60 mV zeta potential, COS Lactate carries a strong positive surface charge. Bacterial and fungal cell membranes are negatively charged. The electrostatic attraction causes COS Lactate to bind tightly to the microbial membrane, disrupting its integrity and causing leakage of intracellular contents. This mechanism is effective against a broad spectrum of foodborne pathogens including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Aspergillus species — without generating antibiotic resistance, unlike synthetic preservatives.
2. Semi-Permeable Film Formation
When applied as a surface coating, COS Lactate forms a thin, biodegradable, semi-permeable barrier on food surfaces. This film:
- Reduces oxygen permeability — slowing oxidative rancidity in meat, oils, and coated produce
- Controls moisture exchange — limiting dehydration in fresh produce while preventing water accumulation
- Delays ethylene-driven ripening — extending post-harvest freshness in fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, and avocados
- Blocks aerial re-contamination — providing a physical barrier against environmental microbes
3. Metal Chelation and Antioxidant Activity
The amino groups (-NH₂) on the chitosan backbone chelate metal ions such as Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ that catalyse lipid oxidation reactions. By sequestering these prooxidant metals, COS Lactate acts as a secondary antioxidant complementing primary antioxidants like vitamin E or rosemary extract in functional food formulations.
Explore chitosan’s broader antimicrobial role: Chitosan in Food Preservation — Full Application Guide
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product Name | Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate (Food Grade) |
| Common Name / Trade Name | Chitosan FG / COS Lactate / Water-Soluble Chitosan |
| CAS Number | 148411-57-8 |
| Molecular Weight | < 3,000 Da |
| Degree of Deacetylation (DDA) | ≥ 95% |
| Purity | > 99% |
| Zeta Potential | +50 to +70 mV (approx. +60 mV) |
| Solubility | Completely soluble in water (neutral–slightly acidic pH) |
| Appearance | Off-white to light cream powder |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0 – 6.5 |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 10% |
| Ash Content | ≤ 1% |
| Heavy Metals | Within food-grade limits |
| Available Sources | Mushroom (Fungal) | Insect (BSF) |
| Grade | Food Grade |
| Documentation | COA, MSDS/SDS, TDS available per batch |
COS Lactate vs. COS Hydrochloride vs. Standard Chitosan — Choosing the Right Form
| Attribute | COS Lactate (This Product) | COS Hydrochloride / Standard Chitosan |
| Salt / Form | Lactic acid salt | HCl salt / free base |
| Water Solubility | Complete at neutral pH | Complete (HCl) / Requires pH <6 (standard) |
| Taste Profile | Mild organic acid note — food-compatible | Sharper (HCl) / Neutral but insoluble (standard) |
| Preferred Use | Food, beverage, dietary supplements | Industrial (HCl) / Agricultural, coatings (standard) |
| Zeta Potential | +60 mV | ±70 mV (HCl) / Lower (standard) |
| Clean Label Appeal | High — lactate is E270 approved | Moderate (HCl) / High (standard if solubilised) |
| Regulatory Status | GRAS-aligned; food-grade global dossiers | Industrial-grade classification (HCl) |
See the industrial-grade HCl variant: Chitosan Oligosaccharide Hydrochloride (Industrial Grade)
Mushroom Source vs. Insect Source — Which Is Right for Your Food Product?
| Attribute | Mushroom (Fungal) Source | Insect (BSF) Source |
| Origin | Oyster mushroom mycelium — fully plant-kingdom | Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae |
| Allergen | Non-shellfish; no animal inputs | Insect-derived — declare in ingredient list |
| Labelling | Vegan-compatible; non-animal chitosan | Animal-origin — check regional vegan labelling rules |
| Performance | High batch uniformity; clean molecular profile | Reliable structural consistency; cost-competitive |
| Best For | Vegan food products, clean-label brands, ESG-aligned procurement | Standard food processing, animal-product categories |
| Sustainability | Zero-animal inputs; fungi fermentation | Circular economy — chitin from agricultural waste |
Learn about our mushroom source: Oyster Mushroom Chitosan — Vegetal Origin
Learn about our insect source: Insect-Origin Chitosan (BSF)
Food Applications — Where COS Lactate Delivers Measurable Results
1. Fresh Produce Coating & Post-Harvest Preservation
Fruit and vegetable post-harvest losses account for 20–40% of global production. COS Lactate addresses this as a water-soluble edible coating applied by dipping, spraying, or brushing at 0.5–2.0% (w/v) solution concentrations.
Demonstrated outcomes in food science literature:
- Up to 30% reduction in weight loss in strawberries over 14 days refrigerated storage
- Delayed colour change and firmness loss in avocados and mangoes
- Reduction in total viable microbial counts on fresh-cut vegetables
- Extension of visual shelf life by 3–7 days depending on produce type and storage conditions
Application method: Prepare a 1–2% COS Lactate solution in water (pH 5.5–6.5). Dip or spray produce. Allow to dry. No rinsing required the coating is edible and residue-safe.
Related reading: Chitosan in Agriculture — Plant Health Applications
2. Meat & Seafood Preservation
COS Lactate is used as a natural antimicrobial dip or marinade component for fresh, chilled, and processed meat and seafood products. Its activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas species the primary refrigerated-meat spoilage organisms makes it particularly valuable for clean-label meat processors.
Recommended use levels:
- Dip treatment: 0.5–2.0% solution, 1–5 minute contact time
- Incorporation into marinating brine: 0.1–0.5% w/w
- Coating for processed meats (deli, cured): 0.5–1.0% film-forming solution
It is compatible with other natural antimicrobials such as nisin, rosemary extract, and lactic acid bacteria and can extend their individual activity through synergistic effects.
3. Beverage Clarification & Stabilisation
In juice and wine production, suspended colloidal particles, pectins, and microbial cells create turbidity. COS Lactate, as a cationic flocculant, electrostatically binds these negatively charged particles, accelerating sedimentation and reducing filtration load.
- Apple, grape, and citrus juice clarification: 0.01–0.1% addition at pH 4.0–5.0
- Wine fining: reduces off-flavour compounds and microbial counts without stripping positive tannin structures
- Fermented beverage stabilisation: inhibits wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria over-fermentation
4. Dietary Supplements & Nutraceutical Formulations
Chitosan Oligosaccharide is one of the most bioavailable forms of chitosan for human consumption. COS Lactate is used in dietary supplements for:
- Gut health and prebiotic activity — COS acts as a substrate for beneficial gut bacteria
- Weight management formulations — chitosan’s fat-binding mechanism at gastric pH
- Immune support products — COS modulates immune signalling pathways in emerging research
- Antioxidant supplement blends — metal chelation activity complements vitamin-based antioxidants
Learn more: Chitosan in Dietary Supplements — Formulation Guide
5. Bakery, Dairy & Processed Food Formulations
In processed food matrices, COS Lactate functions as:
- Antimicrobial agent in fresh bakery products — reduces mould growth; extends shelf life by 2–5 days vs. controls
- Stabiliser in dairy-based sauces and dressings — improves emulsion stability and reduces syneresis
- Texture modifier in plant-based meat analogue products — improves water retention and bite texture
Clean-Label Market Context — Why Food Manufacturers Are Switching
The global natural food preservatives market was valued at over $1 billion in 2024 and is expanding at ~6% CAGR as consumer demand for clean-label, synthetic-preservative-free products accelerates. Regulatory pressure is intensifying this shift:
- EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 continues to tighten approved synthetic preservative lists
- US FDA GRAS notifications for chitosan-based ingredients are being filed and accepted across categories
- Major retail chains (Whole Foods, Aldi, Lidl) maintain ‘no artificial preservatives’ supplier requirements
- Plant-based and vegan food brands specifically require non-shellfish chitosan the mushroom source addresses this precisely
COS Lactate offers food formulators a multifunctional, clean-label alternative that satisfies consumer demand, retail listing requirements, and food safety performance — simultaneously.
Explore the full cosmetics & personal care angle: Chitosan in Personal Care Products
Recommended Dosage Guide by Application
| Parameter | Specification |
| Application | Recommended Use Level (COS Lactate) |
| Fresh fruit & vegetable dip coating | 0.5–1.5% w/v aqueous solution |
| Meat & seafood dip treatment | 0.5–2.0% solution; 1–5 min contact |
| Beverage / juice clarification | 0.01–0.1% w/v at pH 4.0–5.0 |
| Bakery antimicrobial (surface spray) | 0.5–1.0% aqueous solution |
| Dairy / emulsion stabilisation | 0.05–0.2% w/w in formulation |
| Dietary supplement capsule / powder | 100–500 mg/serving (per product specification) |
| Processed food antimicrobial (blended) | 0.1–0.5% w/w depending on matrix |
Note: Optimal dosage depends on formulation composition, pH, storage conditions, and target pathogen profile. We recommend lab-scale validation before full production scale-up. Technical support available on request.
Pricing, Packaging & Shipping
| Pack Size | Price (USD) | Source | Shipping to USA |
| 25 g | $75.00 | Mushroom or Insect | Standard rates apply |
| 1 kg | $182.00 | Mushroom or Insect | Product $84 + $8 tariff + $90 shipping |
| > 1 kg | Contact for quote | Both sources available | Custom quote required |
For non-US destinations or bulk orders above 1 kg, contact: steve@chitosanglobal.com | +1 423-202-6145
View all wholesale and bulk pricing: Chitosan Global Wholesale Pricing
Why Source Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate from Chitosan Global?
- Dual source availability: mushroom AND insect origin — critical for vegan-label and ESG procurement
- Purity verified: >99% with ≥95% DDA per batch — full COA, MSDS, and TDS documentation
- CAS-referenced material: 148411-57-8 — traceable, documented, procurement-ready
- Food-grade processing conditions: controlled production aligned with food-grade standards
- Samples available: 25 g research-scale quantities for formulation validation before bulk commitment
- Global shipping: export-ready from India with USA free delivery on 1 kg orders
- Direct technical support: Steve Nice, 423-202-6145
About our responsible supply chain: Responsible Supply Chain & ESG Policy
Browse all chitosan types: Types of Chitosan — Full Range
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAS number for Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate?
The CAS number is 148411-57-8. This identifies the lactate salt form of chitosan oligosaccharide, distinguishing it from the hydrochloride salt (CAS 70694-72-3) and standard chitosan. Always request the CAS number from your supplier to verify the exact form and grade being supplied.
Is Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate safe for food use?
COS Lactate is derived from natural chitin sources and has been extensively studied for food safety. Chitosan is approved for food contact and food use in multiple regulatory jurisdictions including Japan, South Korea, and is widely used under GRAS status in the United States for specific applications. In the EU, chitosan-based food additives are subject to the Novel Food Regulation. Buyers should evaluate the applicable regulatory framework for their specific food category and target market. We can provide regulatory support documentation on request.
How does Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate work as a natural preservative?
COS Lactate works through cationic membrane disruption: its positive surface charge (+60 mV) electrostatically binds to negatively charged bacterial and fungal cell membranes, disrupting integrity and inhibiting growth. It also forms a semi-permeable film on food surfaces that reduces oxygen exposure, moisture exchange, and post-harvest respiration extending freshness without synthetic chemicals.
What is the difference between COS Lactate and COS Hydrochloride?
Both are water-soluble chitosan oligosaccharide salts. The key difference is the counterion: lactate (from lactic acid) is food-compatible and results in a milder flavour profile and better regulatory alignment for food and supplement use. Hydrochloride is preferred for industrial, cosmetic, and water treatment applications. For food formulation, COS Lactate is the recommended form.
Does it affect the taste or texture of food products?
At recommended use levels (0.5–2.0%), the impact on taste is minimal. The lactic acid counterion contributes a very mild, neutral-to-slightly-tart note that is indistinguishable in most food matrices. On texture, COS Lactate can improve firmness and water retention in coated produce and processed meat products often a positive functional effect.
Can it replace synthetic preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate?
In many food systems, COS Lactate can partially or fully replace synthetic preservatives, particularly in fruit coatings, meat dips, and bakery applications. It is most effective when combined with other natural antimicrobials (nisin, rosemary extract, lactic acid bacteria) in a hurdle technology approach. Application-specific validation is always recommended.
Is it suitable for vegan and plant-based food products?
Yes — when mushroom source is selected. Our mushroom-derived COS Lactate contains no animal inputs and is compatible with vegan product claims. The insect-derived variant is animal-origin and must be labelled accordingly. Always specify your sourcing preference at time of order.
What documentation is provided with each batch?
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming identity, purity (>99%), DDA (≥95%), moisture, heavy metals, and zeta potential. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are also available. Download links are on the product page, or email steve@chitosanglobal.com.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Minimum order is a 25 g sample at $75, suitable for initial formulation testing. Standard 1 kg units are available at $182. Bulk orders above 1 kg are quoted separately contact us for volume pricing.
Related Products & Resources
→ Chitosan Oligosaccharide Hydrochloride — Industrial Grade — the HCl salt form for water treatment, coatings & industrial use
→ Chitosan Oligosaccharide (COS) — All Grades Overview — compare food, agricultural, and industrial COS
→ Carboxymethyl Chitosan — anionic derivative for cosmetics, wound care, and drug delivery
→ Quaternary Chitosan — permanently cationic; ideal for antimicrobial fibre manufacturing
→ Chitosan in Dietary Supplements — Application Guide
→ Mushroom-Origin Chitosan — Vegetal Source Details
→ Chitosan in Cosmetics — Beauty & Personal Care Applications
Order a Sample or Request Bulk Pricing
Select your source (Mushroom or Insect) and quantity above to add to cart, or contact us directly for bulk orders, technical documentation, formulation support, or a custom shipping quote.
Email: steve@chitosanglobal.com
Phone: +1 423-202-6145
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