Food Preservative: Calcium Acetate

Calcium acetate is a common food additive and preservative in many of the foods we love.

This white crystalline powder has historically gone by the name "Acetate of lime," having to do with its mineral composition (not the actual fruit).

Calcium acetate is very similar in activity to acetic acid (the mild acid found naturally in vinegar). It functions at the same pH and is often substituted for acetic acid in many food applications.

Calcium acetate has the chemical formula Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂, just like water has the formula, H₂O, and calcium phosphate, the compound that imparts structural properties to teeth and bones is Ca₃(PO₄)₂.

Calcium acetate can be produced naturally or synthetically and, like all chemicals synthesized in laboratories, the synthetic product has the exact same composition and structure as the chemical produced naturally.

In addition, calcium acetate is found naturally in some food substances, but when it is added to processed foods, it's listed as a food additive.

It has been granted the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) certification by the US FDA.

One fun thing to try at home is making calcium acetate by soaking eggshells in vinegar. Since both eggshells and vinegar were available thousands of years ago, it is likely that calcium acetate was available and used long ago.

Some functions of calcium acetate as a food additive and preservative include:

• growth inhibitor for certain bacteria
• texturizer, thickening and firming agent
• buffer in controlling the pH of food during processing (acidity regulator)
• processing aid
• stabilizer when salts migrate from food-packaging material (sequestrant)
• extends shelf life
• calcium supplement in pet products

Different foods where calcium acetate can be found as a food additive include:

• certain candy and confections
• cake batters and mixtures
• pie fillings
• puddings
• certain cheeses
• gelatin
• snack foods
• sweet sauces
• bread and baked foods
• pet products

Order Food Preservatives

Ready for your next order of food preservatives for your product? We'll always help you get the right food ingredients, like calcium acetate, at the right price.

No matter where you are located, Cooperative Purchasers can get your order out fast and affordably since our distribution centers are located across the nation.

Contact us so we can get your order for calcium acetate started today.