E504 Magnesium carbonate

E504Anti-caking agentsOrigin: Mineral

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The short answer

Magnesium carbonate (E504) is a fine mineral powder that keeps table salt and spice blends free-flowing. It's vegan, gluten-free and safe at the small levels used in food.

88/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE504

Comes fromMineral

What it doesAnti-caking agents

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledBasic magnesium carbonate, Magnesium salt of carbonic acid

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada as an anticaking agent and carrier. It is also a common antacid ingredient, which shows the body handles magnesium well at these levels.

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

What is it?

Magnesium carbonate coats salt and spice grains, so they do not clump when humid. Because it is mineral-based, it adds no flavor and does not change the color of the food.

Where it comes from: Mined from magnesium-rich rock or produced from magnesium salts in seawater. It is a fine white powder with no animal or plant source.

Why it’s in food

Keeps table salt pouring freely
Stops spice blends from clumping
Carries flavors in powdered sweets
Adds a white finish to confectionery

Often found in

Table saltSpice mixesPowdered sweetenersConfectionery dustingDry seasonings

Also listed as: Basic magnesium carbonate, Magnesium salt of carbonic acid, E504(i), E504

Health & gut impact

Laxative effectConcern

Large amounts of magnesium salts can loosen stools. The small amounts used in food are far below that level.

JECFA evaluation of magnesium salts

What can I use instead?

Silicon dioxide

Ratio: 1:1 by weight

Best for: Dry spice blends

More anti-caking agents:

Calcium Phosphates (Tricalcium Phosphate) E341Calcium phosphates (E341) keep powders flowing, make baking powder rise and add calcium to plant milks. They're safe for most people, but phosphate additives add up, which matters for anyone with kidney disease.Use in moderation Dimethylpolysiloxane E900Dimethylpolysiloxane (E900) is a food-grade silicone that stops frying oil from foaming. It sounds alarming, but it's used at a few parts per million and passes through the body unabsorbed.Use in moderation Magnesium stearate E572Magnesium stearate (E572) is a fine powder that stops powders and supplement tablets from sticking to machines. It is approved in food and supplements, and it is vegan only when the fat behind it is plant-based.Generally safe Powdered cellulose E460Powdered cellulose (E460) is purified plant fiber that keeps shredded cheese from clumping. It's harmless to eat, but it can also be used as a cheap filler.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is E504 safe?

Yes. Magnesium carbonate is approved in the US, EU and Canada, and the amount in food is very small.

Why is magnesium carbonate in salt?

It keeps the salt free-flowing when humidity would otherwise make it clump.

Is Magnesium carbonate safe?

Generally safe (88/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada as an anticaking agent and carrier. It is also a common antacid ingredient, which shows the body handles magnesium well at these levels.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E504
JECFA evaluation of magnesium salts

INS 504 · CAS 546-93-0