Ingredient

Flow Agent

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add flow agents to keep powdered products like spices, drink mixes, and baking …

What it is

Flow agents are substances added to powdered or granular foods to prevent clumping and improve their flow. They work by coating particles, reducing friction between them. Common flow agents include silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, and magnesium carbonate.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add flow agents to keep powdered products like spices, drink mixes, and baking powders from sticking together, ensuring they pour and mix evenly. They are also used in table salt to prevent caking. You'll find them in chips, pretzels, seasoning mixes, and some candies.

Health notes

Flow agents like silicon dioxide and calcium silicate are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are typically used in very small amounts and are not absorbed by the body. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated these substances. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects at typical dietary intake levels.

Allergen info

Flow agents are not derived from any of the FDA's major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Flow Agent

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AdvancePierre Foods Inc. BBQ Rib Sandwich Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 333kcal 11.5Protein 17.9Fat 30.1Carbs Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Breaded Chicken Patty On A Bun AdvancePierre Foods Inc. Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Breaded Chicken Patty On A Bun Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 317kcal 12.2Protein 15.1Fat 33.8Carbs CHIPILETA Lollipop And Hot Candy Powder Candy 327kcal 0Protein 0Fat 81.8Carbs Twang Partners, Ltd. Grapefruit Rimming Salt, Grapefruit, Lime Alcohol 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 83.3Carbs Twang Partners, Ltd. Sangrita Rimming Salt, Sangrita Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 417kcal 0Protein 0Fat 83.3Carbs Strawberry-Lime Rimming Salt, Strawberry-Lime Twang Partners, Ltd. Strawberry-Lime Rimming Salt, Strawberry-Lime Alcohol 417kcal 0Protein 0Fat 83.3Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Roundy's, Pennsylvania Dutch Sourdough Pretzels Ranch Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 467kcal 10Protein 20Fat 63.3Carbs Beauty Visions LLC Momentum Brands, Original Potato Crisps Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 500kcal 3.6Protein 25Fat 60.7Carbs CMYDISTILLERY, LLC So Nuts And Confections, Bacon And Cheese Cashews Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 571kcal 17.9Protein 42.9Fat 28.6Carbs Beauty Visions LLC Momentum Brands, Potato Chips, Hot, Spicy, Hot, Spicy Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 500kcal 3.6Protein 25Fat 64.3Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Pennsylvania Dutch Sourdough Pretzels Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 433kcal 6.7Protein 16.7Fat 63.3Carbs Ohio Baking Co Inc Sourdough Pretzels, Ranch Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 429kcal 10.7Protein 21.4Fat 64.3Carbs
Salt (71 products) Citric Acid (55 products) Sugar (50 products) Folic Acid (41 products) Niacin (38 products) Silicon Dioxide (38 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (38 products) Riboflavin (34 products) Wheat Flour (32 products) Enzymes (32 products)

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.