E559Anti-caking Agent

Aluminum silicate

Learn what Aluminum silicate (E559) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.

Low concern

What is Aluminum silicate?

A food additive used as an anti-caking agent. It is also used as a support substance for other additives. It is a natural mineral that is added to salt and its substitutes, powdered sugar, dextrose, powdered whey and whey-based products, sliced soft, hard, or processed cheese. It is added to spices and to fats used for greasing trays and pans. It is also used in all dairy-based products, meat, eggs, fish, cereals, sugar, vegetables, fruits, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, dietary products, supplements, in tablet or powder form, or for surface treatment, according to the technologies and quantities specified by recipes.

Why is Aluminum silicate added to food?

Aluminum silicate (E559) is a anti-caking agent commonly found in: Processed cheese, spices, oil, butter, margarine.

Permitted quantity: No daily intake limit is specified.

Is Aluminum silicate safe?

Low concern

No secondary effects have been reported at the quantities used in food products.

Is Aluminum silicate banned anywhere?

✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.

Is Aluminum silicate okay for kids?

Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.

Common foods that contain Aluminum silicate

  • Processed cheese
  • spices
  • oil
  • butter
  • margarine

See the full list of foods that contain Aluminum silicate

How to spot Aluminum silicate on labels

Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:

  • E559
  • Aluminum silicate

Common misspellings to watch for:

  • dluminum silicate
  • aluminum silicate
  • aluminum silieate
  • aluminum sllicate
  • aluminum $ilicate
  • aluminum sillcate
  • alumlnum silicate
  • aluminum silicdte

Better alternatives

• People with kidney conditions should avoid products containing aluminum silicate, as it can affect kidney function and the elimination of aluminum from the body. • Not recommended for individuals with central nervous system disorders or encephalopathy, as aluminum can affect cognitive functions. • Avoid using aluminum silicate in combination with other mineral supplements or medications that may interfere with its absorption. • Not recommended for people with hypophosphatemia, as aluminum can interfere with phosphorus metabolism.

Explore homemade alternatives to processed snacks →

Also known as

  • dluminum silicate
  • aluminum silicate
  • aluminum silieate
  • aluminum sllicate
  • aluminum $ilicate
  • aluminum sillcate
  • alumlnum silicate
  • aluminum silicdte

Scan products with BioBrief

Not sure if a product contains Aluminum silicate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E559 — with a plain-language explanation.

Frequently asked questions about Aluminum silicate

Is Aluminum silicate safe to eat?
No secondary effects have been reported at the quantities used in food products.
Is Aluminum silicate banned anywhere?
Aluminum silicate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Aluminum silicate safe for children?
Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
How do I spot Aluminum silicate on a food label?
Look for E559, Aluminum silicate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: dluminum silicate, aluminum silicate, aluminum silieate.

Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.