Is E327 Calcium Lactate Vegan-Friendly?
Is E327 Calcium Lactate Vegan? E327 Calcium lactate is deemed vegan as long as the lactic acid involved isn’t sourced from animals.
Born amidst the picturesque landscapes of Yorkshire, I’ve always had a close bond with nature and its vast array of inhabitants. Through my journey of conscious living, I’ve come across many ingredients that raise questions in the minds of vegans and vegetarians. Today, I want to shed light on one such ingredient: E327 Calcium Lactate.
What is E327 Calcium Lactate?
E327 Calcium Lactate is a white crystalline salt, which is finding its way into various sectors like food, medicine, and even the intriguing world of molecular gastronomy. Here’s a brief breakdown:
- It’s produced by neutralizing lactic acid with either calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide.
- In the vast realm of the food industry, it’s popular as:
- A firming agent
- Flavor enhancer or flavoring agent
- Leavening agent
- Nutritional supplement
- Stabilizer and thickener
- Beyond food, it’s a key component in medicine, primarily used to combat calcium deficiencies and in certain allergen immunotherapies.
- And for those of you dabbling in molecular gastronomy, you might know it for its pairing with calcium gluconate to craft calcium-rich products, making it ideal for reverse spherification.
- A reassuring point is that E327 Calcium Lactate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the United States FDA, standing firm in its role as a food additive.
Is E327 Calcium Lactate Vegan and Vegetarian?
The million-dollar question: Is E327 Calcium Lactate Vegan?
The straightforward answer? Calcium lactate is deemed vegan / vegetarian as long as the lactic acid involved isn’t sourced from animals. The process involves the reaction of lactic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. Now, if this lactic acid is sourced from plant realms like cornstarch, potatoes, or molasses, then our dear calcium lactate gets the green flag as being vegan-friendly!
However, a word of caution to my vegan and vegetarian friends: Always be vigilant and check product labels or get in touch with manufacturers. This little step ensures the calcium lactate in your product aligns with your ethical eating choices.
Is it Halal?
From its basic nature, calcium lactate doesn’t inherently contain any animal-derived ingredients. It’s produced by combining lactic acid with calcium compounds. If this lactic acid originates from plant sources, such as cornstarch, potatoes, or molasses, it doesn’t conflict with Halal guidelines.
However, and this is crucial: The Halal status of any ingredient doesn’t just depend on its primary components. It’s also influenced by the methods and machinery used in its production. If the machinery was previously used for non-Halal products and not adequately cleaned, cross-contamination could jeopardise its Halal status.
Given these intricacies, it’s always wise for those observing a Halal diet to verify product labels or reach out to manufacturers or Halal certification bodies for clarity.
Is It Kosher?
In its inherent form, calcium lactate doesn’t contain any animal-derived components. It is birthed from the union of lactic acid and calcium compounds. If the lactic acid is plant-sourced, like from cornstarch, potatoes, or molasses, it seems to align with basic Kosher principles.
But, as always, there’s depth to consider. Kosher isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also deeply entwined with the production processes. The machinery and methods involved in crafting the ingredient should adhere to Kosher standards to truly earn its Kosher badge. For absolute certainty, checking for recognized Kosher certifications on product labels or consulting with Kosher certifying organizations is a prudent step.
Rare Allergic Encounters
However, as with many things in nature, there are always exceptions. Some rare individual cases spotlight allergic skin reactions linked to calcium lactate. These might manifest as:
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching sensations
- Skin redness
- Swelling
Transitioning to its oral consumption, while short-term use of calcium lactate is possibly safe, there have been side effects reported. These can encompass:
- Stomach pain
- Gas episodes
- Constipation
- Feelings of nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Fluctuations in thirst or urination
On the external front, when calcium lactate graces our skin, it’s generally well-received. Yet, in some instances, it might prompt:
- Redness
- Itching
- Burning sensations
Furthermore, a word of caution for those with particular health conditions: prolonged intake of calcium salts can sometimes lead to hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria. This is especially pertinent for those with hypoparathyroidism and simultaneous high milk consumption.
Products Containing E327 Calcium Lactate
| Product Name |
|---|
| Goldfish flavor blasted xtra cheddar |
| Fourré FIGUES – Gerblé – 180 gr |
| Jordnötter Smokey BBQ – 200 g |
| Orange Dreamsicle |
| Strawberry trifles – Essential Waitrose |
| Pork Sausages – Tesco Finest – 6 |
| 10* Tikka Chicken Breast Skewers – by ASDA |
| Cream |
| Cheese |
| Nectars |
| Jams, jellies, and marmalades |
| Butter, margarine, and other fats for cooking or frying |
| Canned fruits and vegetables |
| Beer |
| Mozzarella cheese |
| Fresh pastas |
| Precut fruit |
Earlier We Have discussed E Numbers Sometimes Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
| E Number | Name | Commonly Used In | Notes and Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| E101 | Riboflavin | Coloring in various foods | Can be derived from plants or synthetic |
| E160a(i)(ii) | Mixed Carotenes, Beta-Carotene | Coloring in various foods | Can be derived from plants or synthetic |
| E270 | Lactic Acid | Preservative, acid | Can be derived from plants or synthetic |
| E304 | Ascorbyl Palmitate | Antioxidant | Can be derived from plants or synthetic |
| E322 | Lecithin | Emulsifier | Can be derived from plants or eggs |
| E325, E326, E327 | Sodium Lactate, Potassium Lactate, Calcium Lactate | Preservative, acid | Can be derived from plants or milk |
| E422 | Glycerol/Glycerine | Sweetener, Humectant | Can be derived from plants or animal fats |
| E430-E436 | Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan (20) Monolaurate, etc. | Emulsifiers, Stabilizers | Can be derived from plants or synthetic |
| E442 | Ammonium Phosphatide | Emulsifier | Can be derived from plants or synthetic |
| E470 | Fatty Acid Salts | Stabilizer, Emulsifier | Can be derived from plants or animal fats |
| E471-E479 | Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, etc. | Emulsifiers, Stabilizers | Can be derived from plants or animal fats |
| E481, E482 | Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Calcium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate | Dough Strengthener, Flour Bleacher | Can be derived from plants or milk |
| E483 | Stearyl Tartrate | Stabilizer | Can be derived from plants or synthetic |
| E491-E495 | Sorbitans | Emulsifiers, Stabilizers | Can be derived from plants or synthetic |
| E570 | Fatty Acids | Anti-caking Agent | Can be derived from plants or animal fats |
| E631 | Disodium Inosinate | Flavor Enhancer | Can be derived from plants or meat |
| E635 | Disodium 5’ribonucleotides | Flavor Enhancer | Can be derived from plants or meat |
| E920 | L-cysteine | Dough Conditioner | Can be derived from plants, synthetic, or feathers |
You can see our educational blog post Navigating Through E Numbers in Food: A Vegan Guide for all the E Number information
In Conclusion
Navigating the world of ingredients can sometimes feel like walking through a maze. But with a bit of knowledge and vigilance, making informed choices becomes a breeze. Remember, the journey to ethical eating is paved with understanding and compassion. Let’s continue to make choices that respect and celebrate all forms of life.
Stay green, stay kind!
– Luna Verdant
We also have blog posts on :Is 19 Crimes Wine Vegan?, Is Daim Vegan?, Is Guar Gum Vegan? , Is Rapeseed Oil Vegan Are Wine Gums Vegan?, Is Ready Brek Vegan?, Any Quality Street Vegan?, Are Bon Bons Vegan?, Are Brain Lickers Vegan?, Navigating Through E Numbers in Food ,E120 – Discovering the Colorful World,Delving into the Mystique of E542 A Closer Look at E904, Buzz around E901 Beeswax, The Unveiling of E913, Discovering E966, A Dive into E1105, Dive into E101 Riboflavin ,E160a(i)(ii) Mixed Carotenes, Beta-Carotene, E270 Lactic Acid Vegan?, Is E322 Lecithin Vegan?, A Sweet Dive into E422 Glycerol, Is E325 Sodium Lactate Vegan?, Are Nik Naks Vegan?, Can You Freeze Vegan Cheese?
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