Calcium Propionate FCC Crystal

Calcium propionate (Ca(C2H5COO)2) is a calcium salt of propanoic acid, which accounts for its alternate name, calcium propanoate. The “FCC” added to its name indicates this food additive complies to the rigorous Food Chemicals Codex regulations and is suitable for human consumption. In its crystal form, calcium propionate has larger granules than in powder form. Bell Chem, the Orlando food ingredient supplier, stocks calcium propionate because of its use as a preservative and mold inhibitor.

• Bakeries struggle with the ever-present threat of mold. Mold can detrimentally affect inventory levels of any baked good unless a mold inhibitor is a recipe ingredient. Calcium propionate fills this need by inhibiting mold growth, which extends product shelf life.
• Processed meats, such as deli meats, canned meats, and meat pastes containing calcium propionate, have a much longer shelf life because of the preservative properties found in this important food additive.
• Whey, yogurt, kefir, and other dairy products with calcium propionate added have an extended shelf life and a drastic reduction in mold and bacteria infiltration.
• While calcium propionate performs the same duties as benzoates – preventing microbes from producing energy – calcium propionate can work in a wider pH range since it works in either a neutral or basic environment as well as the standard acidic state benzoates need to perform properly.  
• The citrus industry utilizes calcium propionate as a fungicide on oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and any other type of citrus fruit. Many other fruits, even those not considered acidic, take advantage of the fungicidal properties found in calcium propionate.

With so many uses in the food industry, it is no wonder calcium propionate crystal is frequently called upon as a dependable food ingredient. To learn more about calcium propionate crystal and other ingredients and chemicals, call the Orlando food ingredient supplier, Bell Chem, at 407-339-2355 (BELL), and speak with one of our knowledgeable consultants. Read the Bell Chem blog for information on many of the chemicals and food products in our extensive inventory.