Ingredient · E552

Calcium silicate

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
It is primarily used as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods. By absorbing moisture, …

What is Calcium silicate?

Calcium silicate is a synthetic inorganic compound made from calcium oxide and silicon dioxide. It is produced by reacting calcium salts with sodium silicate under controlled conditions, followed by drying and milling.

Is Calcium silicate vegan?

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

Is Calcium silicate gluten-free?

It is not a source of gluten.

Is Calcium silicate a major allergen?

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

What is Calcium silicate used for?

It is primarily used as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods.

Is Calcium silicate safe?

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

Why it's used

It is primarily used as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods. By absorbing moisture, it prevents ingredients like spices, salt, and powdered mixes from clumping together, ensuring they remain free-flowing and easy to dispense.

Health notes

Calcium silicate is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. EFSA has evaluated it, and it is permitted for use in certain food categories, including powdered foods and food supplements. JECFA has also evaluated it and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified). At typical intake levels found in food, it is generally considered safe.

Regulatory status

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

Permitted uses in the EU

Calcium silicate · legislation: (EU) No 1129/2011

Food categoryMaximum level
5.3 chewing gumNo 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 551 - 559, see also authorisation for Group E 551 - 559

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

Allergen info

Calcium silicate is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.

Foods that contain Calcium silicate

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

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.