Anti Caking Agent: Calcium Stearate
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What it is
Calcium stearate is a salt made from calcium and stearic acid. Stearic acid is a fatty acid found naturally in many plant and animal fats. It is typically produced by reacting stearic acid with calcium hydroxide.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add calcium stearate to powdered foods to prevent them from clumping together, acting as an anti-caking agent. It helps maintain a free-flowing texture in products like spices, powdered mixes, and some candies.
Health notes
In the US, calcium stearate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as an anti-caking agent. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated it and found no safety concerns at typical consumption levels. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from its use in food at permitted levels.
Allergen info
Calcium stearate is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.