Over the years, the love for vegan food has been on a rise. And one of the prime components used in commercial bread and other baked goods is calcium propionate. Its usage is widely involved in vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food. However, there has always been the query of whether Calcium Propionate is a reliable preservative to be used in the preparation of food?

This blog presents a definitive guide for all those who are wanting to gain complete knowledge about calcium propionate and its wide applicability. So let’s check it out:

Before we elucidate the applicability of calcium propionate in food, let’s gain knowledge of what exactly is it?

Calcium Propionate is a primary component that is used as a preservative in preparing bakery products. One of the main reasons for its use in baked goods is that it assists in keeping the goods fresh. Besides, it prevents the growth of mold and bacteria that often lead to the rotting of products. Calcium propionate is a common component that naturally occurs in butter and a few types of cheese.

Is it safe in using calcium propionate as preservatives?

One of the top questions that often lingers in the mind is whether using calcium propionate as preservatives safe for intake? However, herein think if you would like to eat food that is filled with bacteria or mold or any kind of infested bread? Well, probably nobody would want to eat such food. Here is where preservatives like calcium propionate prove to an important element that assists in keeping the food healthy and safe.?

Having spoken about this preservative let’s now look at the safety aspect. So what do the studies state?

Calcium Propionate has been a primary preservative that has been studied by researchers for its potential toxicity. However, the good news is most laboratory study has been negative. Studies have proven that calcium propionate is non-toxic and safe to use in any amount by food manufacturers. Thus, it is completely non-hazardous for health.

Effects on eating Calcium Propionate

The human body doesn’t store calcium propionate. Further, the digestive system breaks the calcium and propionic acid that is easily absorbed and metabolised like any fatty acid. This is then eliminated by the body. However, there have been instances when few have complained about being sensitive to calcium propionate causing migraine headache. Herein, thus it is recommended to consult a health provider if you are sensitive to calcium propionate.

Is Calcium Propionate a good vegan variant?

As many are inclining towards a vegan diet, the question arises if calcium propionate is vegan or not. People often relate calcium with dairy products like cheese, milk, yogurt etc. However, calcium also known as propionic acid or E282 is formed by the reaction between calcium hydroxide and propionic acid. As it also occurs naturally in some food, it acts as a natural preservative. Thus, though it is found in cheese and used for preserving meat, the commercial E282 is synthesised in a lab that is completely vegan-friendly.

All these reasons, make calcium propionate an ideal preservative for baking food as well as good for vegan intake.