Fumed Silica
What is Fumed Silica?
Fumed silica is a very fine, powdery form of silicon dioxide, which is a natural compound. It is made by a process called flame hydrolysis, where silicon tetrachloride is burned in a flame of hydrogen and oxygen. This creates tiny, non-porous particles that are extremely light and fluffy.
Is Fumed Silica vegan?
Fumed Silica is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Fumed Silica gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Fumed Silica a major allergen?
Fumed silica is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.
What is Fumed Silica used for?
Manufacturers add fumed silica to dry food powders to prevent clumping and improve flowability.
Is Fumed Silica safe?
In the U.S., fumed silica is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as an anti-caking agent.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add fumed silica to dry food powders to prevent clumping and improve flowability. It acts as an anti-caking agent, keeping ingredients like sugar, spices, and flour from sticking together. You'll find it in products such as cake mixes, powdered drink mixes, and spice blends.
Health notes
In the U.S., fumed silica is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as an anti-caking agent. It is not absorbed by the body and passes through the digestive system unchanged. International bodies like JECFA have also evaluated it. At the very low levels used in food, it is not associated with any adverse health effects.
Allergen info
Fumed silica is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Fumed Silica
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