Comparing E553B - Talc vs E556 - Calcium aluminium silicate

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Overview

E553B - Talc

Talc (E553b) is a naturally occurring mineral used in foods as an anti-caking, anti-sticking, and glazing agent. It helps powders flow, keeps surfaces from sticking, and protects delicate coatings in products like confectionery and chewing gum. It is very insoluble and, when eaten, passes through the body largely unchanged.

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

E553b

Talc

talcum

hydrated magnesium silicate

E556

Calcium aluminium silicate

Calcium aluminosilicate

Calcium silicoaluminate

Aluminium calcium silicate

Functions

anticaking agent glazing agent

anticaking agent

Origins

Mineral

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 119 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#7832.7K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#49430 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×38.53

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Search history data is not available.

Popular questions

Is talc bad for you?
Food‑grade talc (E553b) that is asbestos‑free is considered safe at permitted levels in foods by major regulators; the main concerns are from inhaling talc dust or contamination with asbestos, not from normal dietary exposure.
What is talcum powder?
Talcum powder is finely ground talc (hydrated magnesium silicate) used as a cosmetic/body powder to absorb moisture and reduce friction; it is distinct from food‑grade talc (E553b) used in foods as an anti‑caking and release agent.
Does talc cause cancer?
Asbestos‑containing talc is carcinogenic, but asbestos‑free talc used in foods has not been shown to cause cancer; perineal use of talc‑based body powders is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B).
What is talc used for?
In foods, E553b is used mainly as an anti‑caking, release, and glazing agent to keep powders free‑flowing and to coat products like rice, chewing gum, and confectionery.
Is talcum powder safe?
Asbestos‑free talcum powder is generally considered safe for external use, but avoid inhalation and perineal (genital) application due to potential risks; keep powders away from infants’ faces to prevent breathing problems.