E576: Sodium Gluconate
Main role: metal-ion binding and acidity control
Also listed as: sodium D-gluconate
What is E576 (Sodium Gluconate)?
Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid. It can bind metal ions and contribute to acidity-control systems. Its use in a formulation is distinct from adding glucose as a sweetener.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is metal-ion binding and acidity control. Acidity regulators adjust or buffer pH. The resulting acidity depends on the whole recipe, not just the presence of one acid or salt. Acidity control may also affect texture and the performance of other ingredients.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified processing preparations
- Acidity-control blends
- Metal-ion management systems
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 E576, E 576, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium D-gluconate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Sodium gluconate is not sodium glutamate or MSG. The similar names refer to different molecules and different food functions.
Is E576 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 E576 as Sodium gluconate. 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.