E623: Calcium Diglutamate
Main role: flavor enhancement
Also listed as: calcium glutamate
What is E623 (Calcium Diglutamate)?
Calcium diglutamate is a calcium salt of glutamic acid used to enhance savory taste. It belongs to the glutamate additive group evaluated through their shared glutamate component.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is flavor enhancement. Flavor enhancement changes how a recipe tastes. It does not replace the food’s protein, vegetables, or other nutrients. Salt and other seasonings may still be present, so compare the complete label.
Food and formulation examples
- Seasoning preparations
- Savory sauces
- Soups
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 E623, E 623, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include calcium glutamate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Calcium in the ingredient name does not establish that a food provides a meaningful calcium serving. Flavor enhancement and nutrient fortification are different labeling questions.
Is E623 safe?
EFSA’s 2017 review set a group intake limit and identified potential exceedance in some population groups. EFSA glutamate assessment (2017).
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 E623 as Calcium diglutamate. 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.