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Calcium propionate

Calcium propionate suppliers and sourcing guide

Calcium propionate is the calcium salt of propionic acid. It is made by neutralizing propionic acid, usually of petrochemical origin, with calcium hydroxide and drying the product to a white powder or granules. It is the standard mold inhibitor in yeast-raised bread and is also used in rolls, cheese, confections and fillings; in chemically leavened goods, sodium propionate is often used instead because calcium can interfere with leavening.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
calcium dipropionate · E282 · propanoic acid calcium salt
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of calcium propionate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Powder

    Fine powder that blends easily into flour and dry mixes.

  • Granular

    Free-flowing, lower-dust grades for bakeries.

  • Encapsulated

    Coated grades that release during baking so they do not slow yeast in the dough.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Calcium propionate content on a dried basis by titration, against FCC or supplier limits.
Loss on drying
Moisture content.
Water-insoluble matter
Insoluble residue, a purity check.
pH
pH of a 10 percent solution.
Lead and heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.
Particle size
Sieve analysis, which affects how evenly it disperses in flour.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Calcium propionate absorbs moisture and can cake, so keep it in sealed, lined bags in a cool, dry place. It has a faint propionic odor, so store it away from odor-sensitive ingredients. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record form and assay for each lot, especially if switching between plain and encapsulated grades, which deliver different amounts per kilogram. Rotate FEFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Calcium propionate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking calcium propionate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of calcium propionate can brands buy?

Common forms include powder, granular and encapsulated. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for calcium propionate include?

Expect assay, loss on drying, water-insoluble matter, pH, lead and heavy metals and particle size, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should calcium propionate be stored?

Calcium propionate absorbs moisture and can cake, so keep it in sealed, lined bags in a cool, dry place. It has a faint propionic odor, so store it away from odor-sensitive ingredients. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of calcium propionate?

21 CFR 184.1221 affirms calcium propionate as GRAS for use as an antimicrobial agent in baked goods, cheeses, confections and frostings, gelatins, puddings and fillings, and jams and jellies. Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes calcium propionate for bread.

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