E509Stabiliser · Thickener · Coagulant

Calcium chloride

What the research shows

Prototype

Not enough

published research on this page yet

1 health finding on this page so far · See the findings

Used in food as a stabiliser, thickener or coagulant.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • EU permitted

What research says

Animal and lab studies only

  • Concern

    Heart and nerve effects1

    In lab studies, calcium chloride above certain levels affected zebrafish hearts and nerves, and higher levels killed the embryos.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.

Regulatory status

Checked Sep 2026

Status reflects the named register on the date checked. It is not a safety rating.

How we check

Products

The 6 most-scanned of 12,948 products on Open Food Facts that list calcium chloride.

  • Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli Crisps Walkers · 150 g 2 additives
  • Jalapeño Ramona's Heavenly Houmous Ramona's · 500 g 3 additives
  • Big Mac McDonald's · 232 g 18 additives
  • Purified Water Member's Mark · 40 pk. 16.9oz 0 additives
  • Organic Super Firm Tofu Plant Menu · 200 g 2 additives
  • Mince Quorn · 500 g 2 additives

References

  1. 1Bailone RL, Fukushima HCS, de Aguiar LK, Borra RC. Calcium Chloride Toxicology for Food Safety Assessment Using Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos. Comp Med. 2022;72(5):342-348. doi:10.30802/AALAS-CM-22-000009