Kemin’s SHIELD® DRY Calcium Propionate Powder and Granules are globally recognized and a well-known antimicrobial solution to enhance the quality, shelf-life and freshness of baked goods.
Calcium Propionate and is it Vegan?
Calcium Propionate (also known as E282) is the calcium salt of propanoic acid. It is used as a food preservative and is commonly found in commercial bread and other baked goods. However, it can also be found in processed meat, whey, and other dairy products. It meets the specifications of the Food Chemicals Codex and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). As a bread preservative, it helps keep baked goods fresher longer by preventing mould and bacterial growth.
By prohibiting mould and bacterial growth, calcium propionate extends the normal shelf-life of bread and baked goods. For large-scale baking operations, including bread that is found sliced, wrapped, or foiled in grocery stores, this cuts down on product spoilage and waste.
Ordinarily, the high moisture content of bread is an ideal environment for mould growth. However, calcium propionate severely inhibits this problem.
Calcium Propionate is best used with yeast-leavened bakery products because the calcium ions interfere with the chemical agents in non-yeast leavened bakery products.
Calcium Propionate is also used as a food preservative and functional ingredient for cheeses, confectionery, frostings, gelatins, puddings, fillings, jams or jelly applications.
In addition to preserving foods for longer periods of time, calcium propionate also contributes to the product’s nutritional value due it being a rich source of calcium. Calcium is a very important mineral for the human body which contributes to bone and tooth health, blood clotting, nerve function, hormone and chemical regulation. Calcium also helps maintain a regular heartbeat in the human body.
When it comes to calcium, we often think of dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. However, calcium is found in many foods, including those supplemented with additional minerals. Perhaps the strongest association with calcium and animal products is why so many people wonder whether calcium propionate is vegan.
The short answer is yes, Calcium Propionate from FSL and Kemin is vegan.
With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, there is always concern over reading labels and identifying possible ingredients that may prevent a food from being considered vegan.
FSL’s partner Kemin ensures that their source of calcium is from minerals and propionic acid which are not sourced from animals and which is vegan friendly.
Kemin and FSL are committed to keep your product safer and fresher for longer. We leverage our decades of research and experience in food safety to ensure a microbiologically safe product while also ensuring a consistent and well performing antimicrobial solution.
1. SHIELD® DRY: Calcium Propionate Powder
| PRODUCT AT A GLANCE | |
|
Appearance |
Free flowing powder |
|
Odor |
Faint propionic acid |
|
Color |
White to off-white |
|
Assay on dry matter |
Min. 99%* |
|
pH (10% aqueous solution) |
6-9 |
|
Water insoluble matter |
Max. 0.3% |
|
Moisture content |
Max. 4% by weight |
|
Specific gravity |
0.3 – 0.5 g/cm3 |
|
Dosage |
0.1 to 0.3% depending on application |
|
Storage and Shelf life |
Storage in a cool, dry and dark place, shelf life – 3 years |
2. SHIELD® DRY GRANULE: Calcium Propionate Granule
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|
Appearance |
Granular |
|
Odor |
Faint propionic acid |
|
Color |
White to off-white
|
|
Assay on dry matter |
Min. 99%* |
|
pH (10% aqueous solution) |
6-9 |
|
Water insoluble matter |
Max. 0.3% |
|
Moisture content |
Max. 4% by weight
|
|
Specific gravity |
0.6 – 0.85 g/cm3 |
|
Dosage |
0.1 to 0.3% depending on application |
|
Storage and Shelf life |
Storage in a cool, dry and dark place, shelf life – 3 years |
