Ingredient · E526

Calcium hydroxide

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add calcium hydroxide as an acidity regulator and firming agent. It is used …

What is Calcium hydroxide?

Calcium hydroxide is an inorganic compound, a white powder that is sparingly soluble in water. It is produced by reacting calcium oxide (quicklime) with water. It is also known as slaked lime or hydrated lime.

Is Calcium hydroxide vegan?

Calcium hydroxide is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Calcium hydroxide a major allergen?

Calcium hydroxide is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.

What is Calcium hydroxide used for?

Manufacturers add calcium hydroxide as an acidity regulator and firming agent.

Is Calcium hydroxide safe?

Calcium hydroxide is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add calcium hydroxide as an acidity regulator and firming agent. It is used in food processing to control pH levels and to help maintain the texture of fruits and vegetables. It is commonly found in products like tortilla chips, noodles, and some types of bread.

Health notes

Calcium hydroxide is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It has been evaluated by EFSA, which has assessed its safety. At typical levels of use in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects. JECFA has also evaluated calcium hydroxide and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified).

Regulatory status

Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products

Permitted uses in the EU

Calcium hydroxide · legislation: (EU) No 2016/0691

Food categoryMaximum level
1.9 Edible caseinatesNo numerical limit listed
13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013No numerical limit listed
13.1.5.1 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infantsNo numerical limit listed

Maximum levels are shown as published (mg/kg or mg/l, depending on the food). Some entries carry extra conditions and group authorisations are not listed here, so check the full entry before relying on a figure.

Substance is included in E 524 - 528, see also authorisation for Group E 524 - 528 Substance is included in Group I, see also authorisation for Group I

Sources: Food Standards Agency (OGL v3); European Commission, Food Additives Database.

Allergen info

Calcium hydroxide is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not derived from any of these allergens.

Foods that contain Calcium hydroxide

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Last updated: 17 October 2026

Note: This site presents label data from Open Food Facts for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.