E509 · Calcium chloride
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E509?
Calcium chloride is a mineral salt used in food mainly as a firming agent, helping canned vegetables, pickles, and some cheeses hold their texture during processing. It also aids curd formation in cheesemaking. It is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA at the levels used in food, though it has a salty, bitter taste that can affect flavor if used in excess.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium chloride, CaCl2, Food grade calcium chloride, Calcium chloride powder, Calcium chloride solution, Additivo alimentare calcium chloride, Additif alimentaire calcium chloride, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff calcium chloride, Calcium salt of hydrochloric acid, Synthetic calcium chloride, Dihydrate calcium chloride, Anhydrous calcium chloride.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels; excess amounts can cause a bitter taste rather than a health risk.
- Contributes a small amount of dietary chloride and calcium, which is not a concern for most people.
Frequently asked questions
Is E509 safe?
Our overall verdict for E509 (Calcium chloride) 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 E509 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium chloride — 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 E509 and why is it used?
Calcium chloride is a mineral salt used in food mainly as a firming agent, helping canned vegetables, pickles, and some cheeses hold their texture during processing. It also aids curd formation in cheesemaking. It is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA at the levels used in food, though it has a salty, bitter taste that can affect flavor if used in excess.
Does E509 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium chloride.
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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.