Foods Containing E556 (Calcium Aluminium Silicate)
E556 (Calcium Aluminium Silicate) is a synthetic mineral salt, used as a anti-caking agent to help stop powders and granules clumping together. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E556
E556 is used across table salt, spice mixes, powdered drinks, grated cheese and dry mixes. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Table salt
- Spice mixes
- Powdered drinks
- Grated cheese and dry mixes
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E556 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E556" or as "Calcium Aluminium Silicate".
How to spot E556 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "anti-caking agents: E556" or "anti-caking agents: calcium aluminium silicate". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Calcium Aluminium Silicate" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E556?
E556 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E556 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E556: safety, vegan and halal status →
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Want to avoid E556?
Additive-free eating
Cookbooks and guides for cooking without additives.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).