Used As An Anticaking Agent

Silicon dioxide is a form of silica, which is a compound made of silicon and oxygen. It is found naturally in plants and is abundant in the Earth's crust as quartz. It is produced industrially by reacting sodium silicate with a mineral acid.

Manufacturers add silicon dioxide to foods to prevent ingredients from clumping together, a function called anticaking. It helps powders flow freely. It is commonly found in powdered mixes, salt, spices, and grated cheese.

Silicon dioxide is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as an anticaking agent. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated silicon dioxide and found it to be safe for consumption at typical levels. Extensive research has not shown adverse health effects from consuming silicon dioxide in the amounts typically found in food.