Calcium lactate

Calcium lactate is a food ingredient that comes from the mineral calcium and lactic acid, which is found in dairy products like milk. It's commonly used in processed foods to enhance texture, improve shelf life, and sometimes add a sour flavour. You might spot it on the ingredients list of items like canned vegetables, fruit preserves, or even certain baked goods.

To make calcium lactate, calcium salts are combined with lactic acid, usually through a simple chemical reaction. This process can be done in a lab or as part of food manufacturing. Once the calcium lactate is formed, it is dried and turned into a powder or liquid form for easy use in various food products without altering their taste significantly.

On food labels, calcium lactate is included for a variety of reasons. It can act as a firming agent in canned foods, preventing them from becoming mushy. In some cases, it can also help regulate acidity levels in products like jams or jellies. Additionally, it might be used to fortify foods with extra calcium, offering a nutritional boost to items like breakfast cereals or certain dairy alternatives.

Foods in the CalorieStar database containing Calcium lactate