E203 Calcium sorbate

E203PreservativesOrigin: Lab-made

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Calcium sorbate (E203) is a salt of sorbic acid that stops mold and yeast from growing in bread, cheese and wine. It's a synthetic, vegan and gluten-free preservative with a long safety record.

86/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE203

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesPreservatives

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledCalcium salt of sorbic acid, E203

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Permitted in the US, EU and Canada as a preservative for baked goods, cheese and wine. It is the calcium cousin of potassium sorbate (E202) and is used the same way.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Calcium sorbate dissolves more slowly than potassium sorbate, so food makers use it where a calcium source is welcome or where a slower release helps. Once in the food, it blocks the enzymes that mold and yeast need to grow.

Where it comes from: Sorbic acid, first isolated from rowan berries, is now made by chemical synthesis. It is then neutralized with calcium to make this salt.

Why it’s in food

Stops mold on bread and tortillas
Keeps cheese slices from spoiling
Adds calcium as a side effect
Preserves wine and fermented drinks

Often found in

Sliced breadTortillasProcessed cheeseWineBaked goodsDried fruit

Also listed as: Calcium salt of sorbic acid, E203

Health & gut impact

Skin reactionsConcern

Sorbates rarely cause skin irritation, far less often than most other preservatives.

JECFA evaluation of sorbic acid and its salts

What can I use instead?

Potassium sorbate

Ratio: 1:1

Best for: Cheese and wine without added calcium

More preservatives:

Benzoic acid E210Benzoic acid (E210) is the parent of sodium benzoate. It keeps acidic foods from molding. It is allowed within a daily limit, and in soft drinks with vitamin C it can form a little benzene.Use in moderation Calcium disodium EDTA (EDTA) E385Calcium disodium EDTA (E385) grabs stray metals so dressings, sodas and canned beans keep their color and flavor. Very little is absorbed, and it's safe in the small amounts allowed.Use in moderation Calcium Propionate E282Calcium propionate (E282) is the mold inhibitor in most packaged bread. It's considered safe, vegan and gluten-free, though a few small studies have raised questions about behavior in children and blood sugar.Use in moderation Celery powderCelery powder is how "uncured" bacon and hot dogs are cured. It's a natural source of nitrite, the same chemical as sodium nitrite, so "no nitrites added" meats aren't nitrite-free.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is calcium sorbate safe?

Yes. It is approved in the US, EU and Canada, and the body breaks it down into sorbic acid, a fatty acid it already handles.

Is calcium sorbate vegan?

Yes. It is made from petrochemical starting materials and calcium, with no animal ingredients.

Is Calcium sorbate safe?

Generally safe (86/100). Permitted in the US, EU and Canada as a preservative for baked goods, cheese and wine. It is the calcium cousin of potassium sorbate (E202) and is used the same way.

Spotted a mistake on this page? Report it ›

Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E203
JECFA evaluation of sorbic acid and its salts

INS 203