Is E213 Vegan?
The question, “Is E213 vegan?” may arise among those adhering to a strict vegan lifestyle. So let’s unravel this mystery surrounding E213, otherwise known as Calcium Benzoate.
What is E213?
E213, or Calcium Benzoate, is a calcium salt of benzoic acid. It’s a common food preservative that has gained popularity due to its ability to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and certain types of bacteria.
What is E213 Used For?
Calcium Benzoate, E213, is primarily used as a food preservative. Its main function is to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, thereby extending the shelf life of various food products.
What Food Contains E213?
You’ll typically find E213 in a range of foods and beverages including soft drinks, fruit juices, pickles, and sauces. It’s also found in jellies, jams, and some types of salad dressings.
What is E213 Made Of?
E213 is synthesized through the reaction of benzoic acid with calcium hydroxide. This process forms the salt, calcium benzoate.
Is E213 Vegan?
Yes, E213 is vegan. It’s synthesized from non-animal sources. However, it’s important to delve deeper to fully understand the details.
Potential Animal Testing of E213
Like many other food additives, E213 might have been subjected to animal testing during its early development stages for safety assessment. Nevertheless, this doesn’t impact its vegan status, as the vegan classification depends on the source and production of the ingredient, not the testing methods.
Animal-Derived Ingredients in E213
E213 doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. It’s synthesized from benzoic acid and calcium hydroxide, both of which are not derived from animal sources.
Origins and Production of E213
E213 originates from a synthetic process that doesn’t involve any animal substances. The production process involves the reaction of benzoic acid with calcium hydroxide, resulting in Calcium Benzoate or E213.
E213 in a Vegan Diet
E213 is vegan-friendly and can be safely included in a vegan diet. It’s often found in a variety of vegan foods to help prevent the growth of molds, yeasts, and bacteria, thus prolonging the products’ shelf life.
Is E213 Safe?
As per the latest research, E213 is generally recognized as safe for consumption. However, as with any food additive, it should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
E213, or Calcium Benzoate, is a vegan-friendly food preservative. Its synthetic origin and the absence of animal-derived ingredients in its production process make it a suitable and safe option for those following a vegan lifestyle. However, like all food additives, it should be consumed responsibly within a balanced dietary pattern.
