# Calcium Stearate

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 1592-23-0
**Category:** emulsifier
**FDA GRAS:** yes
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Calcium stearate is a salt derived from stearic acid and calcium, functioning primarily as an anticaking agent and emulsifier in food products. It prevents clumping in powdered ingredients and helps maintain uniform texture and stability in various food formulations.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Calcium Stearate?

Calcium stearate (CAS Number: 1592-23-0) is an inorganic salt compound formed from the reaction of stearic acid (a saturated fatty acid) with calcium. It appears as a white or off-white powder with a fine, smooth texture. The compound is lipophilic, meaning it has an affinity for fats and oils, which makes it particularly useful in food manufacturing where moisture control and texture consistency are important.

## Common Uses

Calcium stearate serves multiple functions in food manufacturing. As an anticaking agent, it is commonly added to powdered products such as spice blends, baking mixes, powdered sugar, and dry seasonings to prevent clumping during storage and handling. Its hydrophobic properties allow it to create a barrier against moisture absorption.

In baked goods, calcium stearate functions as an emulsifier, helping to combine ingredients that would normally separate, such as fats and water-based components. This improves the texture and shelf life of products like cakes, breads, and pastries. The compound also serves as a lubricant and release agent, facilitating easier removal of products from manufacturing equipment and molds.

Additionally, calcium stearate is used as a formulation aid and stabilizer in various food applications, helping to maintain product consistency and prevent separation of ingredients during storage.

## Safety Assessment

Calcium stearate has an extensive safety history in food applications. The compound is recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, meaning it has a long history of safe use and is approved for direct addition to food. The additive is also permitted in food products across the European Union and other major regulatory jurisdictions.

According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with calcium stearate consumption, and zero recalls linked to this additive. This demonstrates a strong safety profile after decades of food industry use.

Stearic acid, the primary component of calcium stearate, is naturally present in many foods including cocoa, beef fat, and vegetable oils. Calcium, the other component, is an essential mineral required for human health. When calcium stearate is ingested, it is broken down in the digestive system into its component parts, which are then processed through normal metabolic pathways.

## Regulatory Status

Calcium stearate is approved for use in food in multiple regulatory frameworks:

- **United States (FDA)**: GRAS status for use as an anticaking agent, emulsifier, formulation aid, lubricant, and stabilizer
- **European Union (EFSA)**: Approved as food additive E470b under EU Regulation 1333/2008
- **Other Jurisdictions**: Accepted in Canada, Australia, Japan, and numerous other countries

The compound is typically limited to specific food categories and maximum use levels as defined by each regulatory authority, though these levels are generally not restrictive for typical food manufacturing applications.

## Key Studies

While calcium stearate does not have extensive recent clinical research due to its well-established safety history, historical toxicological studies have consistently shown it to be safe for human consumption. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has reviewed stearate compounds and determined them to be acceptable food ingredients.

The lipophilic nature of calcium stearate means it has limited bioavailability in the digestive system and passes through largely unchanged. Any absorbed components are processed through standard metabolic pathways. No genotoxic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic effects have been identified in available toxicological data.

The long history of safe use in food manufacturing, combined with zero adverse event reports and the naturally occurring nature of its component parts, supports its continued classification as a safe food additive.

## Brands using Calcium Stearate

- Hidden Valley (7 products)
- The Hvr Company (4 products)
- Bolner's Fiesta Products, Inc. (2 products)
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (2 products)
- AdvancePierre Foods Inc. (1 product)
- Chex Mix (1 product)
- Conagra Brands, Inc (1 product)
- DRCM LLC (1 product)
- Ferrara Candy Company (1 product)
- Pretzel Perfection (1 product)
- Spices smokehouse (1 product)
- Spirit Sales & Marketing (1 product)
- SweetTarts (1 product)
- Target Stores (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 Stearate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/calcium-stearate. Accessed 2026-05-20.