E623 · Calcium diglutamate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Calcium diglutamate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E623?
Calcium diglutamate is a calcium salt of glutamic acid used as a flavor enhancer to boost the savory umami taste in sauces, soups, and seasonings. It functions similarly to MSG and is sometimes used as a lower-sodium alternative. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption at typical use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium diglutamate, Diglutamic acid calcium salt, Calcium salt of diglutamic acid, Calcium diglutamate food grade, C12H10CaN2O8, E623, E 623, E-623, INS 623, Food additive E623, Flavor enhancer E623, Additivo alimentare E623.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- Some individuals report sensitivity to glutamate additives generally.
Research behind the verdict
- Scientific Opinion on glutamic acid and glutamates added to food — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2017). The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of glutamic acid (E 620), monosodium glutamate (E 621), monopotassium glutamate (E 622), and calcium diglutamate (E 623) when used as food additives. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when these glutamates are used as food additives at the reported use levels.[safe]
- Safety assessment of glutamic acid and its salts for use as food additives — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), WHO Technical Report Series (2019). The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) evaluated the safety of glutamic acid (E 620) and its salts including monosodium glutamate (E 621), monopotassium glutamate (E 622), and calcium diglutamate (E 623). The committee concluded that these substances are safe for use as food additives at current levels of consumption and established an ADI of not specified.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E623 safe?
Our overall verdict for E623 (Calcium diglutamate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E623 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium diglutamate — 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 E623 and why is it used?
Calcium diglutamate is a calcium salt of glutamic acid used as a flavor enhancer to boost the savory umami taste in sauces, soups, and seasonings. It functions similarly to MSG and is sometimes used as a lower-sodium alternative. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption at typical use levels.
Does E623 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium diglutamate, though some people report sensitivity (Self-reported glutamate sensitivity in some individuals.).
Watch E623
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Calcium diglutamate changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.