E516: Calcium Sulphate
Main role: firming and texture control
Also listed as: calcium sulfate, gypsum of food grade
What is E516 (Calcium Sulphate)?
Calcium sulphate is a calcium salt used for technical functions such as firming and coagulation. Food-grade material has a defined specification distinct from construction products with the same mineral name.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is firming and texture control. Mineral ingredients can adjust acidity, firm a food, or keep powders flowing. A technical mineral ingredient does not establish a nutritional dose; use the nutrition declaration to assess amounts per serving.
Food and formulation examples
- Tofu
- Bakery preparations
- Firming ingredient blends
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 E516, E 516, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include calcium sulfate, gypsum of food grade. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Food-grade gypsum is not a building material repurposed for cooking. Supplier purity and suitability are essential when an ingredient shares a common mineral name.
Is E516 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 E516 as Calcium sulphate. 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.