Comparing E509 - Calcium chloride vs E526 - Calcium hydroxide
Overview
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Found in 104 products
Found in 6 products
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Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is calcium chloride safe?
Yes—calcium chloride (E509) is approved for use in foods and is generally recognized as safe at typical levels; concentrated solutions can irritate the mouth or stomach, so it’s used in small, regulated amounts.
Is calcium chloride bad for you?
Not at normal food-use levels; it supplies calcium and chloride and is not considered harmful when used as intended. Large amounts or non–food-grade products (like de-icers) can cause irritation or electrolyte disturbances.
Is calcium chloride safe for pets?
In small, food-grade amounts used in pet foods it’s generally safe. Exposure to de-icing products containing calcium chloride can irritate paws and the GI tract—rinse paws and contact a vet if a pet ingests a significant amount.
What is calcium chloride used for?
In foods it’s used as a firming agent and stabilizer (e.g., in canned vegetables and pickles), a coagulant in tofu/cheese making, and to adjust mineral content in brewing and beverages. Beyond food, it’s used for de-icing and as a desiccant.
What is calcium chloride in food?
It’s a mineral salt additive (E509) used as a firming agent, stabiliser, and coagulant to help maintain texture in products like canned tomatoes, pickles, tofu, and cheese, and it can also provide electrolytes in some drinks.
Is calcium hydroxide a strong base?
Yes—calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is a strong base; although only moderately soluble, its saturated solution (limewater) is highly alkaline (pH around 12.4).
What is calcium hydroxide used for?
In foods it’s used as an acidity regulator and firming agent—commonly for nixtamalizing corn (masa/tortillas), as pickling lime to keep cucumbers crisp, and in sugar refining; it’s also used to adjust brewing water pH.
Is calcium hydroxide bad for you?
At the small amounts used in foods it isn’t considered harmful and is permitted (e.g., FDA GRAS; EU E526) under good manufacturing practice. Concentrated powders or solutions are caustic and can burn or irritate skin, eyes, and the digestive tract.
Is calcium hydroxide safe to eat?
Yes, when food‑grade and used at normal levels it’s considered safe; residual amounts in treated foods are low and can contribute calcium. Avoid ingesting concentrated forms, which are corrosive.
How to make calcium hydroxide?
Industrial food‑grade calcium hydroxide is made by hydrating calcium oxide (quicklime), which is produced by calcining limestone; CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2. For safety and purity, use commercially prepared food‑grade pickling lime rather than attempting to make it at home, as the reaction is caustic and highly exothermic.