My diet:

E511 Magnesium chloride (Nigari)

E511Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Mineral
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Every diet

VeganYes

A mineral salt. Nigari on a tofu label is this salt, not an animal ingredient.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Magnesium chloride (E511) is the mineral behind nigari, the coagulant on many tofu packages. US rules treat it as generally recognized as safe, and it fits every diet we check.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE511
Comes fromMineral
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledNigari, Magnesium chloride hexahydrate

Rules by country

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

The FDA affirms magnesium chloride as GRAS for flavoring and as a nutrient supplement. That rule sets no ceiling except good manufacturing practice, and infant formula is allowed when formula rules are met. The FDA inventory also lists it as a firming agent. EFSA found no safety concern at the chloride levels reported for these additives. JECFA's acceptable intake is not limited. Health Canada permits it for one job: putting magnesium back into egg white after lysozyme is removed. That Canadian list does not name tofu.

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

What is it?

Food-grade magnesium chloride is a colorless salt that pulls moisture from the air. Tofu makers stir a little into hot soy milk so the proteins set. The same salt shows up where a drink or formula needs magnesium.

Where it comes from: It occurs as the mineral bischofite. Food grade is also made by dissolving magnesium oxide, hydroxide, or carbonate in hydrochloric acid, then crystallizing the hexahydrate.

Why it’s in food

  • Sets tofu curds
  • Firms food
  • Adds magnesium to drinks and formula
  • Used as a flavoring agent

Often found in

TofuSports drinksInfant formulaEgg-white ingredients

Also listed as: Nigari, Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, Magnesium dichloride, Bittern, E511

Health & gut impact

Food useBenefit

EFSA concluded that chloride from magnesium chloride, at the amounts reported in food, does not raise a safety concern.

EFSA re-evaluation of E 507, E 508, E 509 and E 511 (2019)

Chloride intakeUnder study

EFSA used 40 mg of chloride per kg of body weight per day as a reference point. Average intakes from these chloride additives were at or below it. The high end for children sat a little above it, and the panel still found no safety concern at the reported amounts.

EFSA re-evaluation of E 507, E 508, E 509 and E 511 (2019)

What can I use instead?

Calcium sulfate

Ratio: Not 1:1; use the amount in a gypsum tofu recipe

Best for: Tofu with a tender curd

Calcium chloride

Ratio: A different firming salt

Best for: Cheese curds and crisp pickles

Related

Magnesium chloride vs Calcium sulfate

More acidity regulators:

Acetic acid E260Acetic acid (E260) is the acid that makes vinegar sour. Diluted in food it is considered safe. The hazard is the concentrated factory form, not a splash of vinegar.Generally safeAmmonium carbonate E503Ammonium carbonate (E503) is a traditional leavening agent that makes thin cookies and crackers crisp. It breaks down into gas in the oven, so little of it stays in the finished food.Generally safeCalcium acetate E263Calcium acetate (E263) is a calcium salt of acetic acid that steadies acidity and adds a mild tang in processed foods. It is vegan and gluten-free, and it is also a prescription phosphate binder at much higher doses.Generally safeCalcium carbonate E170Calcium carbonate (E170) is ground limestone, the same calcium found in antacids. It adds calcium to plant milks and flour and is very safe.Generally safe

Common questions

Is nigari the same as magnesium chloride?

Yes. On a tofu label, nigari means this magnesium salt. The GRAS rule applies to the salt that meets the Food Chemicals Codex.

Is magnesium chloride vegan?

Yes. It is a mineral. It is not made from animals or from gluten grains.

Is Magnesium chloride safe?

Generally safe (90/100). The FDA affirms magnesium chloride as GRAS for flavoring and as a nutrient supplement. That rule sets no ceiling except good manufacturing practice, and infant formula is allowed when formula rules are met. The FDA inventory also lists it as a firming agent. EFSA found no safety concern at the chloride levels reported for these additives. JECFA's acceptable intake is not limited. Health Canada permits it for one job: putting magnesium back into egg white after lysozyme is removed. That Canadian list does not name tofu.

Is Magnesium chloride vegan?

Yes. A mineral salt. Nigari on a tofu label is this salt, not an animal ingredient.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1426 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E511
  • EFSA re-evaluation of E 507, E 508, E 509 and E 511 (2019)

INS 511 · CAS 7786-30-3