Ingredient · E282

Calcium Propionate Preservative

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add calcium propionate as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold and …

What it is

Calcium propionate is a salt of propionic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. It is manufactured industrially by reacting propionic acid with calcium hydroxide. It appears as a white powder or crystals.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add calcium propionate as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold and other microorganisms. This helps extend the shelf life of baked goods and other processed foods. It is commonly found in breads, cakes, pastries, and tortillas.

Health notes

Calcium propionate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food preservative. International bodies like JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) have also evaluated its safety. While generally considered safe at typical consumption levels, some studies have explored potential links to behavioral issues in children, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive. It is not known to have adverse health effects at the levels typically used in food.

Allergen info

Calcium propionate is not derived from any of the FDA's major allergens and does not contain gluten. It is considered a safe ingredient for individuals with allergies to milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, or sesame.

Products containing Calcium Propionate Preservative

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DELI EXPRESS Sandwich Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 48% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 258kcal 7.1Protein 11.6Fat 25.8Carbs RDK Corp. Danish, Bavarian Creme Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 288kcal 3.9Protein 13.5Fat 40.4Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Roundy's, Presliced Everything Bagels Breads & Buns High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 253kcal 9.5Protein 2.1Fat 52.6Carbs Bruno's Supermarkets, Inc. Bagels, French Toast Breads & Buns 259kcal 8.6Protein 1.2Fat 54.3Carbs FGF LLC The Original Old Fashioned Sour Cream Crumb Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 460kcal 6.2Protein 20.4Fat 62.8Carbs RDK Corp. Almond Kringle Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 380kcal 4Protein 22Fat 44Carbs RDK Corp. Kringles, Bavarian Creme Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries 300kcal 4Protein 14Fat 40Carbs RDK Corp. Racine Danish Kringles, Kringle, Cranberry-Nut, Cranberry-Nut Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 340kcal 4Protein 18Fat 42Carbs RDK Corp. Racine Danish Kringles, Turtle Danish Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 404kcal 3.9Protein 25Fat 44.2Carbs RDK Corp. Kringles, Cinnamon Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 380kcal 4Protein 18Fat 50Carbs RDK Corp. Danish, Merry Berry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 320kcal 4Protein 16Fat 44Carbs RDK Corp. Kringle, Pumpkin Creme Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 300kcal 4Protein 14Fat 40Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.