Is E516 Vegan?

E516, commonly known as calcium sulfate, has a range of applications across various industries, including its use in the food industry as a firming agent and flour treatment agent. If you are following a vegan lifestyle, it’s crucial to know whether E516 aligns with vegan principles. Let’s dive into this.

What is E516?

E516, also referred to as calcium sulfate, is a white or colorless crystalline substance. It’s a naturally occurring compound derived from mineral gypsum.

What is E516 made of?

Calcium sulfate is obtained from mineral sources or synthetically produced through the reaction of calcium carbonate with sulfuric acid. This production process does not involve any animal-derived substances, making E516 suitable for vegans.

What E516 is used for

In the food industry, E516 is used as a firming agent, a flour treatment agent, and as a sequestrant. It’s also used in the production of tofu where it serves as a coagulant. Beyond the food industry, it finds use in the manufacture of plaster of Paris, cement, and in soil treatment.

What Food Contains E516

E516 can be found in a range of food products, including baked goods, canned vegetables, beer, and tofu.

Is E516 Vegan?

Yes, E516 is vegan. The production of calcium sulfate doesn’t involve any animal-derived ingredients or animal testing, making it fit for a vegan diet.

Can vegans eat E516

E516 is suitable for a vegan diet due to its inorganic, non-animal-based synthesis process. However, vegans should remain vigilant in checking other ingredients in food products containing E516, as not all of them might be vegan-friendly.

• Potential Animal Testing E516: There is no known involvement of animal testing in the production of E516.
• Animal-Derived Ingredients E516: E516 does not involve any animal-derived ingredients in its production process.
• Origins and Production of E516: E516 is produced from inorganic substances or derived from mineral sources without the involvement of animal substances.
• E516 in a Vegan Diet: Given its vegan-friendly production process, E516 can be included in a vegan diet.

Is E516 Safe?

E516 is generally considered safe for consumption by various food safety authorities, provided it’s consumed within the recommended limits. Overconsumption might lead to hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by elevated calcium levels in the blood.

Final Thoughts

E516, or calcium sulfate, is a common additive in both food and non-food products. Given its production process, which doesn’t involve any animal-derived substances, it’s a suitable choice for vegans. However, as always, it’s wise for vegans to check the other ingredients in products containing E516. In conclusion, E516 is a safe and vegan-friendly additive with a variety of applications.