E302: Calcium Ascorbate
Main role: oxidation control
Also listed as: calcium L-ascorbate
What is E302 (Calcium Ascorbate)?
Calcium ascorbate is a calcium salt of ascorbic acid used in antioxidant preparations. It provides a different mineral counterion from sodium ascorbate E301. The ingredient can be used for technological purposes without the food being marketed or formulated as a vitamin supplement.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is oxidation control. An antioxidant additive helps manage oxidation within the food, such as changes in fat, flavor, or color. That technical role is separate from claims that eating the ingredient will provide a particular health benefit.
Food and formulation examples
- Antioxidant food preparations
- Fruit processing systems
- Beverage formulations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E302, E 302, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include calcium L-ascorbate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
An ingredient listing does not establish the amount of vitamin C or calcium supplied per portion. For nutrition claims, use the declared nutrient quantities rather than the additive name.
Is E302 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E302 as Calcium ascorbate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.