My diet:

E213 Calcium benzoate

E213PreservativesOrigin: Lab-made
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The short answer
Calcium benzoate (E213) is the calcium salt of benzoic acid, used as a mold and yeast inhibitor in acidic foods. It is vegan and gluten-free, and it is one of the least common benzoates on store labels.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE213
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesPreservatives
Glycemic index—
Daily limit5 mg/kg
Also calledE213, Benzoate of lime

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Permitted in the EU and the US as a preservative with limits. It is much less common than sodium benzoate, so regulators have reviewed it mainly as part of the benzoate group.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

350 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 5 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 100 mg a day.

What is it?

Calcium benzoate releases benzoic acid when it dissolves in an acidic food, and that acid slows mold and yeast. Food makers choose it mostly in specialty and regional products, where a calcium salt suits the recipe.

Where it comes from: Made by reacting benzoic acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate. The salt is dried into a white powder that dissolves in acidic foods.

Why it’s in food

  • Slows mold and yeast in acidic foods
  • Adds calcium instead of sodium
  • Used where a calcium salt suits the recipe

Often found in

Pickled productsFruit preparationsSome sauces

Also listed as: E213, Benzoate of lime

Health & gut impact

Hives and asthmaConcern

People sensitive to aspirin, or with chronic hives, may react to any benzoate, including the calcium salt. Reactions are rare and usually mild.

EFSA 2016 opinion on benzoic acid and its salts

What can I use instead?

Potassium sorbate (E202)

Ratio: Use a similar amount; it works over a wider pH range

Best for: Acidic sauces and dressings

Sodium benzoate (E211)

Ratio: Adjust by weight, because the benzoic acid share differs between salts

Best for: Drinks and sauces where sodium is not a concern

Related

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 moderationCalcium 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 moderationCalcium 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 moderationCalcium sorbate E203Calcium 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.Generally safe

Common questions

Why would a food use calcium benzoate instead of sodium benzoate?

Usually to add calcium or to avoid extra sodium. In practice most foods use sodium or potassium benzoate.

Is calcium benzoate safe to eat?

At the levels permitted in food, the EU and US reviews judge it safe. People with aspirin sensitivity should be careful with every benzoate.

Is Calcium benzoate safe?

Use in moderation (61/100). Permitted in the EU and the US as a preservative with limits. It is much less common than sodium benzoate, so regulators have reviewed it mainly as part of the benzoate group.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E213
  • EFSA 2016 opinion on benzoic acid and its salts

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