Ingredient

Ferrous Gluconate

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add ferrous gluconate to foods as a source of iron, a nutrient. It …

What is Ferrous Gluconate?

Ferrous gluconate is an iron salt of gluconic acid. It is made by reacting iron with gluconic acid, which is produced by the fermentation of glucose. It appears as a yellowish-gray powder or granules.

Is Ferrous Gluconate vegan?

Ferrous Gluconate is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Ferrous Gluconate gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Ferrous Gluconate a major allergen?

Ferrous gluconate is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.

What is Ferrous Gluconate used for?

Manufacturers add ferrous gluconate to foods as a source of iron, a nutrient.

Is Ferrous Gluconate safe?

In the US, ferrous gluconate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a nutrient supplement or for color retention.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add ferrous gluconate to foods as a source of iron, a nutrient. It is also used to maintain color in some products, such as olives, by preventing oxidation. It can be found in canned fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and some beverages.

Health notes

In the US, ferrous gluconate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a nutrient supplement or for color retention. It is a common form of iron used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. JECFA has evaluated ferrous gluconate and established an acceptable daily intake. While iron is essential, excessive intake can be harmful; however, this is unlikely from typical food consumption.

Allergen info

Ferrous gluconate is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Ferrous Gluconate

Compare products →
Amazon links are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About these links

Learn more

%DV Explained: 5% Low, 20% High →

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

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.