E555: Potassium Aluminium Silicate
Main role: carrying specified colors
Also listed as: mica, muscovite, potassium aluminosilicate
What is E555 (Potassium Aluminium Silicate)?
Potassium aluminium silicate is a specified mica preparation. Its technical food role involves limited ingredient-carrier applications, with composition and purity distinct from unspecified mineral mica.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is carrying specified colors. 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
- Specified pigment preparations
- Narrowly authorized color carriers
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 E555, E 555, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include mica, muscovite, potassium aluminosilicate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Cosmetic mica and food-grade mica preparations are not interchangeable. Check the particular pigment system and authorization rather than assuming every pearlescent material is suitable for food.
Is E555 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 E555 as Potassium aluminium silicate. 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.