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E554 Sodium aluminosilicate

E554Anti-caking agentsOrigin: Lab-made
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The short answer
Sodium aluminosilicate (E554) is a powder that keeps table salt and spice mixes flowing freely. It is approved with limits, and because it contains aluminum, it counts toward total aluminum intake from all sources.
Use in moderation

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

E-numberE554
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesAnti-caking agents
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledE554, Sodium alumino silicate

Rules by country

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

Permitted in the US, EU and Canada as an anticaking agent in table salt and powdered foods, with limits set by each regulator. Because it contains aluminum, it is regulated alongside other aluminum-containing additives.

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

What is it?

This anticaking agent coats salt grains and powders so they do not clump in humid air. It is a synthetic mineral that absorbs moisture, which keeps the food dry and loose.

Where it comes from: Made by combining sodium silicate and sodium aluminate under controlled conditions. It forms a fine powder that absorbs moisture and keeps dry foods free-flowing.

Why it’s in food

  • Stops table salt clumping in humid weather
  • Keeps seasoning blends flowing
  • Prevents powdered mixes from caking
  • Keeps dry gravy mixes loose

Often found in

Table saltSeasoning blendsPowdered soup mixesDry gravy mixes

Also listed as: E554, Sodium alumino silicate, Sodium silicoaluminate

Health & gut impact

Aluminum intakeUnder study

EFSA set a tolerable weekly intake of 1 mg of aluminum per kg of body weight in 2008. Food additives are one of several sources, and most people's total intake stays under that level.

EFSA 2008 opinion on aluminium

What can I use instead?

Silicon dioxide (E551)

Ratio: About 1:1

Best for: Salt and spice blends without aluminum

Related

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 moderationDimethylpolysiloxane 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 moderationMagnesium carbonate E504Magnesium 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.Generally safeMagnesium 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

Common questions

Is sodium aluminosilicate safe?

It is approved with limits in the US, EU and Canada. The aluminum it adds is small, and EFSA's weekly limit covers all sources together.

Why is it in salt?

It keeps table salt free-flowing in humid kitchens. Plain salt without it can clump once it absorbs moisture.

Is Sodium aluminosilicate safe?

Use in moderation (56/100). Permitted in the US, EU and Canada as an anticaking agent in table salt and powdered foods, with limits set by each regulator. Because it contains aluminum, it is regulated alongside other aluminum-containing additives.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E554
  • EFSA 2008 opinion on aluminium

INS 554 · CAS 1344-00-9