Is calcium propionate vegan? Let me answer your question!
In this article, I’ll discuss calcium propionate, what it is, what it does, and whether it’s compatible with a vegetarian, vegan or plant based diet.
Table of contents
- What is calcium propionate?
- Is calcium propionate vegan?
- Is calcium propionate dairy free?
- Is calcium propionate natural?
- Is calcium propionate bad for me?
- How can I check if a food contains calcium propionate?
- Does calcium propionate add any nutritional value?
- To sum it all up
What is calcium propionate?
Calcium propionate – also known as E282 – is a food preservative.
It’s most commonly found in commercial baked goods, processed meat, beer, wine, dairy products, and condiments. You can also sometimes find it added to cosmetics (1).
Calcium propionate’s main function is to extend a product’s shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria or mold. It can also be used to treat milk fever in dairy cows (2, 3).
Calcium propionate is not a form of calcium typically found in calcium supplements for humans.
What is calcium propionate made from?
The type of calcium propionate you’re most likely to come across is made in a lab, through a chemical reaction between calcium hydroxide and propionic acid.
The resulting white, odorless and tasteless powder can then be purchased in bulk by food manufacturers and added to a variety of foods lining your supermarket shelves.
That said, the same chemical reaction also happens naturally in some foods.
For instance, small amounts of calcium propionate may form naturally in Swiss cheese, helping to preserve it naturally (1).
In sum: In sum: Calcium propionate is a preservative used to extend the shelf life of various products. It results from a chemical reaction that can occur naturally, but that is most often created in a lab.
Is calcium propionate vegan?
Technically, calcium propionate can be either vegan or non-vegan, depending on the medium in which the chemical reaction used to make it takes place.
For instance, the calcium propionate that naturally forms in certain dairy cheeses would be considered non-vegan.
That said, most calcium propionate is produced in a lab, from non-animal ingredients, which makes it vegan.
As a result, the calcium propionate that is commonly added to foods – the type you can find on a food label – is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
In sum: Calcium propionate is most commonly made in a lab from non-animal-based ingredients. Therefore, it is vegan. Naturally-occurring calcium propionate is not always vegan.
Is calcium propionate dairy free?
Commercially-made calcium propionate is made from non-animal ingredients. Therefore, it’s dairy free.
The calcium propionate that naturally forms in cheese is, of course, not dairy-free.
Also, keep in mind that calcium propionate can be used to prolong the shelf-life of any foods, including dairy products.
In sum: Most calcium propionate is dairy-free.
Is calcium propionate natural?
Calcium propionate can be found naturally in certain foods.
However, the large majority of calcium propionate that you will come across in a supermarket has been made synthetically, in a lab.
There are vegan-friendly alternatives to calcium propionate that are more natural.
Some of the most popular natural options to preserve foods include rosemary extract, vinegar, and salt.
In sum: Most calcium propionate found in packaged foods is man-made. Natural ways to preserve foods include rosemary extract, vinegar, and salt.
Is calcium propionate bad for me?
Calcium propionate is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Similarly, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers calcium propionate a safe food additive (1).
Nonetheless, calcium propionate has been reported to cause headaches, migraines, eczema, and skin rashes in some people (4).
Older research suggests that eating foods containing calcium propionate on a daily basis may cause a worsening of irritability, restlessness, inattention and sleep disturbances in some children with ADHD.
However, more studies are needed to confirm this (5).
More recent research suggests that calcium propionate may make it more difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar levels after a meal containing it.
The authors express concern that this could increase the risk of unwanted weight gain and type 2 diabetes. However, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made (6).
Finally, calcium propionate may also have the ability to damage the DNA of certain human cells.
However, more research is needed to determine what this means in practical terms for people that eat calcium propionate-containing foods regularly (7).
In sum: Calcium propionate is generally considered as safe. However, some people may have negative reactions to it. More research is needed to address the most recent safety concerns brought up by researchers.
How can I check if a food contains calcium propionate?
You can identify calcium propionate by scanning the food label.
It will be listed as either calcium propionate, propionic acid/derivatives, or E282 on the ingredient label.
In sum: Calcium propionate, E282, or propionic acid/derivatives should be listed on the food label.
Does calcium propionate add any nutritional value?
Calcium propionate is a form of calcium, a mineral that’s important to the health of your bones, teeth, and muscles.
That said, the amount of calcium propionate added to foods when used as a food preservative is very small, and does not provide any significant nutritional value.
READ MORE >>> Vegan Meal Planner: Quick and Balanced Meals for the Whole Family
In sum: No, calcium propionate doesn’t typically add any nutritional value to foods.
To sum it all up
Calcium propionate is a food preservative used to extend the shelf life of a variety of commercial products, including foods.
Most of the calcium propionate you’ll come across is made in a lab, from vegan ingredients.
Therefore, plant-based foods containing it are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Calcium propionate is generally considered safe. However, some people may react negatively to it.
If this is the case for you, consider reducing the amount of packaged foods you eat, and replace them with minimally processed foods instead.
This will not only reduce the amount of calcium propionate you consume, but as a bonus, will also likely increase the overall quality of your diet.
If you liked this post, you may also like…
- Vegan Calcium; How to Get Enough Without Dairy
- 10 Useful Vegan Supplements (According to a Dietitian)
- 11+ Vegan Probiotic Foods to Try Now; Dietitian-Approved!
- The Ultimate Vegan Staples for Beginners: Dietitian-Approved!
- The Best Vegan Multivitamins; A Dietitian’s Go-Tos
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