Ingredient · E282

Preservatives Calcium Propionate

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

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add calcium propionate to foods as a preservative to inhibit the growth of …

What it is

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

Why it's used

Manufacturers add calcium propionate to foods as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. This helps extend the shelf life of products, especially baked goods. It is commonly found in breads, rolls, muffins, pastries, and tortillas.

Health notes

In the U.S., calcium propionate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food preservative. Studies have not shown adverse health effects from typical dietary intake. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated calcium propionate, and both have established acceptable daily intakes. Some research has explored potential links between propionates and behavioral effects in children, but evidence is mixed and not conclusive.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Preservatives Calcium Propionate

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
DI LUSSO Smoked Ham And Bacon Wrap With Smoked Ham, Romaine Lettuce, Swiss Cheese, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, And Bacon, Smoked Ham And Bacon Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 96% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving 201kcal 10.5Protein 9.9Fat 16.6Carbs LKS Mr.Croissant With Cocoa Cream Filling, Cocoa Cream Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 422kcal 4.4Protein 22.2Fat 46.7Carbs Food Town Stores Inc. Food Lion, Bagels, Blueberry, Blueberry Breads & Buns High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 248kcal 8.0Protein 1.8Fat 51.3Carbs Giant Eagle, Inc. Multigrain Pre-Sliced Bread, Multigrain Breads & Buns 279kcal 9.3Protein 4.7Fat 51.2Carbs Glazed Honey Bun, Glazed Honey Casey's General Stores, Inc. Glazed Honey Bun, Glazed Honey Breads & Buns High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 404kcal 5.3Protein 19.3Fat —Carbs Target Stores Italian-Style Ham, Genoa Salami & Provolone Cheese In A Tomato Basil Wrap, Italian-Style Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 100% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 80% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 315kcal —Protein 17.2Fat 26.3Carbs Sweet & Buttery Hot Dog Buns, Sweet & Buttery Spring Sola LLC Sweet & Buttery Hot Dog Buns, Sweet & Buttery Breads & Buns 297kcal 21.9Protein 17.2Fat 29.7Carbs Chocolate Banana Mini Ring Donuts, Chocolate Banana Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 394kcal 6.1Protein 21.2Fat 48.5Carbs
Salt (7 products) Enzymes (7 products) Water (7 products) Sugar (7 products) Wheat Flour (6 products) Niacin (5 products) Reduced Iron (5 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (5 products) Riboflavin (5 products) Mono- And Diglycerides (5 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.