E 170 Calcium carbonate

What is E 170?

E 170 is the E number of Calcium carbonate. Mineral known as chalk or limestone. It serves as a white colour, acidity regulator or anti-caking agent and is used to add calcium, for example to baked goods and plant-based drinks.

Where is E 170 most commonly used?

Calcium carbonate is often used to add calcium to plant-based drinks and is an ingredient of some baking powders. As a colour it gives confectionery and dragées a white surface.

What is E 170 used for?

E 170 belongs to the group "Colours" and is used as colour, acidity regulator, anti-caking agent.

• Colour: Colours add or restore colour in a food.
• Acidity regulator: Acidity regulators alter or control the acidity (pH) of a food.
• Anti-caking agent: Anti-caking agents stop particles of a food from sticking together or forming lumps.

Which foods may contain E 170?

According to the European Commission's database, E 170 may be used in 77 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 170 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 170 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 170 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Colour: E 170" or "Colour: Calcium carbonate".