Digestoa
Additive · Firming agent

Calcium chloride (E509)

Calcium chloride (E509) is a firming agent that Digestoa rates as low concern — it's considered safe at the levels used in food.

Digestoa riskNo known risk
TypeFirming agent
Found incanned and pickled vegetables, tofu and processed fruit

What is Calcium chloride?

Calcium chloride (E509) is a firming agent — used to keep plant foods firm.

Is Calcium chloride bad for you?

Calcium chloride is permitted in food and Digestoa rates it as low concern. There's no strong evidence it causes harm at the levels typically used in food.

What foods contain Calcium chloride?

Canned and pickled vegetables, tofu and processed fruit.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Calcium chloride. It's one of the more benign things on an ingredients list — worth knowing, not worth worrying about.

Safer swaps

Choose less-processed products with short, recognisable ingredient lists.

Frequently asked questions

Is E509 the same as Calcium chloride?
Yes — E509 is the international additive (E-number) code for Calcium chloride.
Is Calcium chloride bad for you?
Digestoa rates Calcium chloride (E509) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Calcium chloride?
No significant side effects are associated with Calcium chloride at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Calcium chloride?
Canned and pickled vegetables, tofu and processed fruit.
How can I avoid Calcium chloride?
Check the ingredients list for "Calcium chloride" or "E509", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.