Processed
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a fine white mineral powder used as a dietary calcium fortificant in plant milks, flours, cereals, and supplements, and also as an acidity regulator, anti-caking aid, and white opacifier in some foods. In fortification it supplies elemental calcium without the dairy matrix of milk minerals. Food grades are purified limestone, precipitated carbonate, or ground natural sources meeting heavy-metal limits. Particle size affects mouthfeel—ultrafine grades suspend in beverages with less chalkiness. At high dry levels it can taste dry or stony; at legal fortification doses it is usually undetectable.
Also known as: Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Carbonate
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Breeds & varieties
A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
Characteristics
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Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 0 mg
- Salt 0 g
- Total Carbohydrate 0 g
- Dietary Fibre 0 g
- Total Sugars 0 g
- Complex / starch 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Water 0.2 g
- Water 0.2 g
- Minerals 40040 mg
- Major Minerals 40040 mg
- Calcium 40040 mg
Minerals
Precipitated calcium carbonate used as a fortificant and anti-caking agent is CaCO3, not a carbohydrate. Energy is 0. Calcium is ~40% of the formula (~40040 mg/100 g). USDA calcium carbonate supplements follow the same inorganic pattern.
History
Ground limestone and chalk entered traditional medicines and food preparation as alkaline mineral powders.
Chemists refined pure calcium carbonate for pharmaceutical antacids and industrial fillers.
Food-grade calcium carbonate entered enrichment and tablet calcium supplements at scale.
Calcium-fortified orange juices and later plant milks made carbonate a everyday beverage fortificant.
Ultrafine and surface-treated carbonates improved suspension stability in alt-milks and clear beverages.