E511 · Magnesium chloride
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E511?
Magnesium chloride is a mineral salt used in food mainly as a coagulant, most notably to curdle soy milk into tofu (it is often called nigari in this context). It also acts as a firming agent and a source of dietary magnesium. It is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA at typical food-use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Magnesium chloride, MgCl2, Magnesium dichloride, E511, E 511, E-511, INS 511, Magnesium chloride food grade, Food additive E511, Additivo alimentare E511, Additif alimentaire E511, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff E511.
What the evidence says
- Very high intake can have a laxative effect, similar to other magnesium salts.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E511 safe?
Our overall verdict for E511 (Magnesium 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 E511 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Magnesium 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 E511 and why is it used?
Magnesium chloride is a mineral salt used in food mainly as a coagulant, most notably to curdle soy milk into tofu (it is often called nigari in this context). It also acts as a firming agent and a source of dietary magnesium. It is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA at typical food-use levels.
Does E511 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Magnesium 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.