Comparing E552 - Calcium silicate vs E556 - Calcium aluminium silicate

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Overview

E552 - Calcium silicate

Calcium silicate (E552) is a mineral-based food additive used mainly as an anti-caking agent. It soaks up moisture and keeps powders free-flowing in products like table salt and spice blends. It is permitted in the U.S. and EU within set purity and use rules.

E556 - Calcium aluminium silicate

Calcium aluminium silicate (E556) is an anti-caking agent that helps dry foods like salt and seasoning blends stay free-flowing. It is a synthetic mineral-like powder from the aluminosilicate family and is used in very small amounts. European regulators have set specifications and reviewed its safety for use in foods.

Synonyms

E552

Calcium silicate

E556

Calcium aluminium silicate

Calcium aluminosilicate

Calcium silicoaluminate

Aluminium calcium silicate

Functions

anticaking agent carrier

anticaking agent

Origins

Products

Found in 1,368 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#2352.5K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#49430 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.27

under-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Search history data is not available.

Popular questions

How to remove calcium silicate from pool?
Calcium silicate scale is very hard and relatively acid‑resistant, so it’s typically removed by mechanical means (pumice/scale pads or bead blasting) after lowering pH and using a sequestering agent; an acid spot test that doesn’t fizz helps confirm it’s silicate, not carbonate. Prevent recurrence by keeping water balanced (pH/alkalinity/calcium) and using a sequestrant.
What is calcium silicate board?
A rigid, noncombustible building/insulation board made from calcium silicate hydrates, valued for fire resistance, moisture tolerance, and dimensional stability. It’s used for fireproofing, lining stoves/flues, and thermal or acoustic insulation.
How to cut calcium silicate board?
Score‑and‑snap works for thin sheets; thicker boards are cut with a circular saw using a carbide or diamond blade at a slow feed rate. Control dust with wet cutting or HEPA extraction and wear PPE (respirator, eye protection, gloves).
Is calcium silicate bad for you?
As a food additive (E552) used mainly as an anticaking agent, it’s considered safe at permitted levels (JECFA ADI “not specified”; FDA GRAS). The main concern is inhaling fine dust in occupational settings, which can irritate the respiratory tract.
Is calcium silicate vegan?
Yes—it's a mineral/synthetic ingredient with no animal-derived components, so E552 is generally suitable for vegans.