Ingredient

Treated With Hydrated Lime

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Hydrated lime is used in the nixtamalization of corn, a process that makes corn …

What it is

Hydrated lime, also known as calcium hydroxide, is a white powder made by reacting calcium oxide (quicklime) with water. It is a mineral compound that is commonly used in food processing. It is a key ingredient in the nixtamalization process for corn.

Why it's used

Hydrated lime is used in the nixtamalization of corn, a process that makes corn easier to grind, improves its nutritional value, and enhances its flavor and aroma. This process is essential for making tortillas, tortilla chips, and masa. It can also be used as an acidity regulator and firming agent in some processed foods.

Health notes

Calcium hydroxide is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a source of calcium. JECFA has evaluated calcium hydroxide and established an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it. Consuming foods made with nixtamalized corn is common and considered safe.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. It is a mineral and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Treated With Hydrated Lime

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100% White Corn Megathin Tortilla Chips, 100% White Corn BBU, Inc. 100% White Corn Megathin Tortilla Chips, 100% White Corn Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 500kcal 6.7Protein 26.7Fat 63.3Carbs BBU, Inc. White Corn Tortillas, White Corn Mexican Dinner Mixes 192kcal 3.9Protein 1.9Fat 38.5Carbs BBU, Inc. Yellow Corn Tortillas, Yellow Corn Mexican Dinner Mixes 213kcal 4.3Protein 2.1Fat 44.7Carbs Green Chile Concepts LLC Pork Al Pastor Gluten Free Tamarito, Pork Al Pastor Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 229kcal 8.2Protein 14.1Fat 16.5Carbs Green Chile Concepts LLC Chicken Calabacitas Tamarito, Chicken Calabacitas Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 44% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 253kcal 10.6Protein 16.5Fat 15.9Carbs Green Chile Concepts LLC Green Chile Chicken Tamarito, Green Chile Chicken Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 46% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 253kcal 11.8Protein 16.5Fat 14.1Carbs Green Chile Concepts LLC Egg & Bacon Tamarito, Egg & Bacon Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 70% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 71% DV per serving 300kcal 12.3Protein 20.6Fat 14.1Carbs Green Chile Concepts LLC Egg & Sausage Tamarito, Egg & Sausage Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 47% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 75% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 53% DV per serving 300kcal 10.6Protein 22.9Fat 14.1Carbs
Corn (7 products) Enzymes (7 products) Salt (6 products) Water (6 products) Cheese Culture (5 products) Made From Lard (5 products) Lime (5 products) Lard (5 products) Capsicum (5 products) Potato Starch And Powdered Cellulose Added To Prevent Caking (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.