Calcium ascorbate
What is Calcium ascorbate?
Calcium ascorbate is a mineral salt of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). It is produced by reacting ascorbic acid with a calcium source, such as calcium carbonate. This process yields a stable, buffered form of Vitamin C.
Is Calcium ascorbate vegan?
Calcium ascorbate is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Calcium ascorbate a major allergen?
Calcium ascorbate is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Calcium ascorbate used for?
Manufacturers add calcium ascorbate primarily as a source of Vitamin C, a nutrient.
Is Calcium ascorbate safe?
Calcium ascorbate is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add calcium ascorbate primarily as a source of Vitamin C, a nutrient. It is also used as an antioxidant to prevent spoilage and maintain the colour and flavour of foods. It is commonly found in dietary supplements, fortified foods, and beverages.
Health notes
Calcium ascorbate is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is evaluated by EFSA and JECFA, who have assessed its safety. At typical intake levels found in food, it is considered safe and provides the benefits of Vitamin C. There are no widespread controversies regarding its use as a food ingredient.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 4.1.2 peeled cut and shredded fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.1.3 frozen fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.4.2 compote excluding products covered by category 16 | No numerical limit listed |
| 7.1.1 Bread prepared solely with the following ingredients: wheat flour, water, yeast or leaven, salt | No numerical limit listed |
| 7.1.2 Pain courant français; Friss búzakenyér, Fehér és Félbarna kenyerek | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.1.1 Unprocessed fish | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.1.1 Unprocessed fish | 300 |
| 9.1.2 Unprocessed molluscs and crustaceans | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | 300 |
| 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 200 |
| 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 300 |
Allergen info
Calcium ascorbate is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Calcium ascorbate
Compare products →
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.