E263Preservative

Calcium acetate

Learn what Calcium acetate (E263) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.

Generally recognized as safe

What is Calcium acetate?

A food additive from the category of natural preservatives, obtained from acetic acid through bacterial fermentation. It is mainly used in bakery products to prevent spore-producing organisms.

Why is Calcium acetate added to food?

Calcium acetate (E263) is a preservative commonly found in: Bakery products.

Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake is not limited.

Is Calcium acetate safe?

Generally recognized as safe

It does not cause any side effects.

Is Calcium acetate banned anywhere?

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

Common foods that contain Calcium acetate

  • Bakery products

See the full list of foods that contain Calcium acetate

How to spot Calcium acetate on labels

Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:

  • E263
  • Calcium acetate

Common misspellings to watch for:

  • caleium acetate
  • calcium aeetate
  • ealcium acetate
  • cdlcium acetate
  • calclum acetate
  • calcium acetdte
  • calcium acetate
  • calcium dcetate

Better alternatives

• Excessive consumption of calcium acetate can lead to hypercalcemia, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. • People with kidney disorders should avoid excessive consumption of calcium acetate, as it can lead to kidney stone formation or impaired kidney function. • It can interfere with the absorption of other minerals, such as magnesium and phosphorus, which may cause a mineral imbalance in the body. • It may cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and difficulty breathing, in sensitive individuals. • Long-term or excessive use may affect bone health, leading to calcium deposition in soft tissues.

Explore homemade alternatives to processed snacks →

Also known as

  • caleium acetate
  • calcium aeetate
  • ealcium acetate
  • cdlcium acetate
  • calclum acetate
  • calcium acetdte
  • calcium acetate
  • calcium dcetate

Scan products with BioBrief

Not sure if a product contains Calcium acetate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E263 — with a plain-language explanation.

Frequently asked questions about Calcium acetate

Is Calcium acetate safe to eat?
It does not cause any side effects.
Is Calcium acetate banned anywhere?
Calcium acetate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
How do I spot Calcium acetate on a food label?
Look for E263, Calcium acetate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: caleium acetate, calcium aeetate, ealcium acetate.

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