Comparing E576 - Sodium gluconate vs E578 - calcium gluconate

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Overview

E576 - Sodium gluconate

Sodium gluconate (E576) is the sodium salt of gluconic acid. In food, it mainly works as a sequestrant, which means it binds trace metals that can cause off-flavors, discoloration, or texture changes. It is widely authorized in many countries and used in small amounts across different foods.

E578 - calcium gluconate

Calcium gluconate (E578) is a calcium salt of gluconic acid used in food as a stabilizer and sequestrant, which means it ties up trace metals that can spoil taste, color, and texture. It is also used to add a gentle boost of calcium without changing flavor very much.

Synonyms

E576

Sodium gluconate

E578

calcium gluconate

Functions

sequestrant

Origins

Products

Found in 63 products

Found in 2 products

Search rank & volume

#2491.8K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#11217K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×3.94

over-aware

×355.82

over-aware

Search volume over time

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

Popular questions

Is sodium gluconate safe?
Yes—at permitted food-use levels it’s considered safe; EFSA found no safety concern for gluconic acid and its salts, though it does contribute sodium, which may matter on sodium-restricted diets.
What is sodium gluconate in soap?
It’s a chelating (sequestrant) agent that binds metal ions, helping prevent discoloration and rancidity and improving performance in hard water by reducing soap scum.
Is sodium gluconate gluten free?
Yes—sodium gluconate is inherently gluten-free; it’s made by fermenting glucose and contains no wheat proteins, though sensitive consumers should check for cross-contact claims from manufacturers.
What is sodium gluconate used for?
In foods it functions mainly as a sequestrant/stabiliser (and sometimes thickener) to bind metal ions and improve stability and texture; it’s also widely used industrially as a chelating agent in cleaning, water treatment, and concrete admixtures.
How to get sodium ferric gluconate?
Sodium ferric gluconate is an intravenous iron medicine (not the E576 food additive) and is obtained via prescription and administration by a healthcare provider.