Calcium sulphate

Calcium sulphate, also known as gypsum, is a food ingredient commonly used as a food additive. It is a mineral source of calcium that is found naturally in rocks and soil. Calcium sulphate is not derived from animals or plants, making it suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.

To produce calcium sulphate for food use, the mineral is purified and ground into a fine powder. This powder is then added to various food products in small quantities as a stabiliser, firming agent, or thickener. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of foods without affecting their taste.

You may spot calcium sulphate on food labels of products like bread, tofu, and certain sauces. It is added to bread dough to enhance its structure and texture, giving the finished product a better crumb. In tofu production, calcium sulphate is used to coagulate soy milk and create a firm tofu texture. Additionally, it is utilised in some sauces to prevent them from becoming too watery or to maintain their thickness over time.

Foods in the CalorieStar database containing Calcium sulphate