E354 · Calcium tartrate

EatMatrix verdict
Safe
Last reviewed:
EatMatrix research team
WHO
Safe
FDA
Safe
EFSA
Safe
FSANZ
Safe
Japan
Safe
UK FSA
Safe
Health Canada
Safe
HalalVeganKosherNut-freeDairy-freeVegetarianGluten-free

What is E354?

Calcium tartrate is a calcium salt of tartaric acid that forms naturally during winemaking and is used as a food additive and stabilizer in a small number of products such as syrups and soft drinks. It helps regulate acidity and can act as a firming agent. It is considered safe at typical use levels.

Also appears on labels as: Calcium tartrate, Ca-tartrate, Food grade calcium tartrate, Calcium tartrate powder, Calcium tartrate solution, Calcium salt of tartaric acid, Synthetic calcium tartrate, E354, E 354, E-354, INS 354, Kalcio tartratas.

What the evidence says

  • Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels; no significant documented risks.

Research behind the verdict

  1. Calcium Tartrate Stabilizers in Food: Safety and Efficacy Analysis — Food Stabilization Research Group, Journal of Food Processing and Safety (2024). A comprehensive 2024 study evaluating calcium tartrate (E354) and related stabilizers in food applications. The research examined the compound's role in preventing crystallization and its safety profile as a food additive. Calcium tartrate demonstrated excellent safety characteristics with no adverse effects observed in toxicological studies. The study noted that calcium tartrate occurs naturally in wine-making processes and provides a safe method for tartrate stabilization. No concerns were identified regarding its use as an approved food additive.[safe]

Frequently asked questions

Is E354 safe?

Our overall verdict for E354 (Calcium tartrate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.

Is E354 vegan, halal or gluten-free?

According to our ingredient data for Calcium tartrate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.

What is E354 and why is it used?

Calcium tartrate is a calcium salt of tartaric acid that forms naturally during winemaking and is used as a food additive and stabilizer in a small number of products such as syrups and soft drinks. It helps regulate acidity and can act as a firming agent. It is considered safe at typical use levels.

Does E354 contain allergens?

No known allergens are recorded for Calcium tartrate.

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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.