The present invention is directed to stable lactide particles, more specifically lactide particles which are stable enough to be stored and transported at room temperature and have a quality high enough for use as starting material for polylactic acid. The lactide particles have a surface/volume ratio of the particle is lower than 3000. Preferably the lactide in the particle has an optical purity of at least 95%. The lactide particles are prepared by subjecting lactide to a shaping step comprising extrusion, pastillation, prilling, tabletting, or flaking.