Ingredient
Calcium Chloride
What is Calcium Chloride?
Calcium chloride is a mineral compound commonly found in the form of white, crystalline flakes or granules. It's produced by neutralizing hydrochloric acid with calcium carbonate or limestone.
This ingredient is frequently used in food processing as a firming agent, stabilizer, and desiccant. It's commonly added to pickled vegetables, canned fruits, and sports drinks to improve texture or electrolyte content. The overall health evidence suggests that calcium chloride is safe for consumption in standard food amounts.
When you see calcium chloride on a label, it typically indicates the product contains added minerals, often enhancing the firmness or preserving the texture of food items.
Commonly found in: pickled vegetables, canned fruits, sports drinks, tofu production, beer brewing
What to watch
- High exposure can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort.
- Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction, though it is rare.
Benefits
- Provides a source of calcium, which is essential for bone health.
- Acts as an electrolyte in sports drinks, helping to maintain fluid balance.
Calcium chloride is recognized as safe by the FDA for use in food and is often listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).
Research notes that typical small amounts used in foods are generally considered safe, though excessive dietary calcium chloride should be avoided.
Calcium chloride is mineral-based and suitable for vegan diets.
Sources: Calcium Chloride's Role in Food Safety and Nutrition
Scout's take
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
The case against
There are no significant risks associated with calcium chloride in this context.
from the analysis of Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 90 fl ozThe case for
Helps maintain the texture and firmness of the tomatoes.
from the analysis of Classico Pasta SauceIt helps in stabilizing the product formulation.
from the analysis of Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 90 fl ozMore from Scout's analyses
Calcium chloride is used as a firming agent in canned foods. It helps maintain the texture of the beans during processing and storage. It is generally recognized as safe when used in small amounts.
from the analysis of Sun Vista Pinto BeansCalcium chloride is used as a firming agent to maintain the texture of the beans. It is a common food additive that helps retain the structural integrity of canned vegetables. It is generally recognized as safe when used in food processing.
from the analysis of Goya Roman BeansCalcium chloride is used in pickling to maintain firmness and texture of the cucumbers. It is a common additive in food processing with no significant nutritional value. Its use is generally recognized as safe in small quantities.
from the analysis of Bubbie's Kosher Dill Pickle ChipsFound in 13 products
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