# Calcium Ascorbate (E302)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E302
**CAS number:** 5743-27-1
**Category:** antioxidant
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Calcium ascorbate is a mineral salt combining calcium and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) that functions as an antioxidant in food products. It prevents oxidation and color degradation in processed foods while providing supplemental calcium and vitamin C.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Calcium Ascorbate?

Calcium ascorbate (CAS Number: 5743-27-1) is a white to off-white crystalline powder formed by combining calcium with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It serves as a water-soluble antioxidant that prevents oxidative deterioration in food products. Unlike ascorbic acid alone, calcium ascorbate provides both antioxidant benefits and a bioavailable source of calcium, making it a multifunctional ingredient in food manufacturing.

## Common Uses

Calcium ascorbate is utilized across multiple food categories as a preservative and antioxidant. Common applications include:

- Meat and poultry products, where it helps maintain color and prevent rancidity
- Processed fruit and vegetable products
- Beverage formulations, particularly fortified drinks
- Baked goods and grain-based products
- Dietary supplements and fortified foods
- Cured and processed meat applications

The additive is particularly valued in meat processing for its ability to enhance color stability while contributing to the product's mineral content. Its dual functionality as both preservative and nutrient fortification ingredient makes it cost-effective for manufacturers.

## Safety Assessment

Calcium ascorbate demonstrates a strong safety profile in available toxicological data. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events and zero recalls associated with this additive, indicating no documented safety incidents in the United States market. While calcium ascorbate does not hold GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status with the FDA, this classification does not indicate a safety concern but rather reflects the regulatory pathway and available dossier information.

Ascorbic acid and its salts, including calcium ascorbate, are well-characterized compounds with extensive human consumption history. Ascorbic acid itself is an essential nutrient required for human health. The calcium component is a primary mineral involved in numerous physiological functions. When combined as calcium ascorbate, the safety profile aligns with established data on both parent compounds.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated ascorbic acid and its salts, including calcium ascorbate (E302 in the EU), and has established acceptable intake levels. These regulatory bodies have determined that ascorbic acid derivatives pose minimal risk when used at concentrations typical in food products.

## Regulatory Status

Calcium ascorbate's regulatory status varies by jurisdiction:

- **United States**: Approved for use in various food categories under 21 CFR 182.3013; does not hold GRAS status but is permitted for specific applications
- **European Union**: Listed as E302, approved as a food additive within specified use levels and food categories
- **Other markets**: Approved in Canada, Australia, Japan, and most developed food markets

Regulatory agencies establish specific maximum use levels to ensure safety, typically ranging from 500-1000 mg/kg depending on the food category. Manufacturers must comply with local regulations regarding labeling and maximum permitted concentrations.

## Key Studies

The safety of ascorbic acid and its salts has been extensively documented through decades of use and scientific evaluation. Key findings include:

- Absorption and metabolism studies confirm calcium ascorbate is absorbed and metabolized similarly to ascorbic acid
- Toxicological studies on ascorbic acid and mineral salts have consistently shown low toxicity at food-use levels
- Long-term dietary exposure assessments conducted by regulatory bodies found no safety concerns at permitted use levels
- The EFSA's evaluations of ascorbic acid and salts (including E302) concluded that current use levels present no safety risk

The extensive history of use in food systems, combined with the well-understood metabolism of both ascorbic acid and calcium, provides substantial evidence supporting the safety of calcium ascorbate at permitted concentrations.

## Brands using Calcium Ascorbate

- Bobbie (1 product)
- Orgain, Inc. (1 product)

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Calcium Ascorbate (E302) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/calcium-ascorbate. Accessed 2026-05-19.