Zinc oxide
What is Zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide is a mineral compound of zinc and oxygen. It is typically produced by heating zinc metal in the presence of air or by precipitating zinc carbonate or hydroxide and then heating it. It appears as a white powder.
Is Zinc oxide vegan?
Zinc oxide is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Zinc oxide gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Zinc oxide a major allergen?
Zinc oxide is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Zinc oxide used for?
Zinc oxide is used as a nutrient in fortified foods and as a colourant.
Is Zinc oxide safe?
Zinc oxide is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Zinc oxide is used as a nutrient in fortified foods and as a colourant. It can provide a white pigment in certain food products. It is found in some instant beverages, plant-based foods, and sweetened beverages.
Health notes
Zinc oxide is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is used as a source of zinc, an essential nutrient. European food safety authorities have evaluated its safety. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects at typical dietary intakes.
Allergen info
Zinc oxide is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Zinc oxide
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