E 555 Potassium aluminium silicate

What is E 555?

E 555 is the E number of Potassium aluminium silicate. Aluminium-containing mineral used mainly as a carrier for shiny colour pigments on sweets.

What is E 555 used for?

E 555 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as anti-caking agent, carrier.

• Anti-caking agent: Anti-caking agents stop particles of a food from sticking together or forming lumps.
• Carrier: Carriers dissolve, dilute or disperse other additives, flavourings or nutrients without having a technical effect themselves.

Which foods may contain E 555?

The EU database lists no food categories under Annex II for this substance. It may, for example, only be used in additives, flavourings, enzymes or nutrients (Annex III) or under other rules such as wine law.

Is E 555 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 555 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 555 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 "Anti-caking agent: E 555" or "Anti-caking agent: Potassium aluminium silicate".