E509

E509, also known as calcium chloride, is a food ingredient that often appears on ingredient labels. It is commonly used as a firming agent, stabiliser, or sequestrant in various food products. Calcium chloride is a synthetic compound made from limestone, a naturally occurring mineral, through a chemical process.

In food production, calcium chloride is typically produced by combining limestone with hydrochloric acid. This process creates a soluble form of calcium that is then purified and used in the food industry. Calcium chloride helps maintain the texture of food products, preventing them from becoming too soft or mushy. It can also enhance the shelf life of certain items by stabilising their structure.

You may find E509 in a variety of foods, such as canned fruits and vegetables, tofu, cheese, beer, and certain types of pickles. In cheese making, it is used to improve curd firmness and texture. In canned fruits, calcium chloride helps maintain the fruit's firmness during processing. Its role is primarily to ensure that the texture and quality of these foods remain consistent for consumers.

Foods in the CalorieStar database containing E509