What is Calcium Propionate?
Calcium Propionate is the calcium salt of propionic acid, widely used as a mould inhibitor and preservative in the baking industry. It is a white, odourless to slightly odorous crystalline powder that is highly effective at preventing the growth of mould and certain bacteria (including the bacteria responsible for "rope" spoilage in bread) without significantly affecting yeast fermentation, making it the preservative of choice for bread and bakery products.
Polychem Industries supplies Food Grade Calcium Propionate to bakery ingredient companies, bread manufacturers, animal feed producers, and food processors across India and internationally. Its dual benefit of providing both calcium fortification and effective mould inhibition makes it a preferred preservative choice over sodium-based alternatives in many bakery applications.
Available Grades
| Grade | Form | Purity | Standard | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Grade | White crystalline powder | 99%+ (Food Grade) | FSSAI / FCC / E282 | Bread, bakery products, animal feed, cheese |
Applications & Uses
Bread & Bakery Products
The primary application. Calcium Propionate is added to bread, buns, cakes, and other bakery products to inhibit the growth of mould and rope-forming bacteria, significantly extending shelf life while having minimal impact on yeast activity during fermentation.
Cheese & Dairy Products
Used in certain processed cheese products as a mould inhibitor, helping extend shelf life and maintain product quality during distribution and storage, particularly important for products without refrigeration throughout the supply chain.
Animal Feed Preservation
Used as a mould inhibitor and preservative in animal feed, particularly in feed with higher moisture content, preventing mould growth and mycotoxin formation that could otherwise compromise feed safety and animal health.
Pastries & Confectionery
Used in pastries, pies, and certain confectionery products with moisture content that supports mould growth, extending shelf life while maintaining product safety and quality standards.
Tortillas & Flatbreads
Widely used in tortillas, flatbreads, and similar baked goods to prevent mould growth during extended shelf life requirements, particularly important for products distributed over wider geographic areas.
Calcium Fortification
Beyond its preservative function, Calcium Propionate contributes a source of dietary calcium to fortified bread and bakery products, providing a secondary nutritional benefit alongside its preservation function.
Technical Specifications
Calcium Propionate — Key Properties
Why Source Calcium Propionate from Polychem Industries?
- Food Grade (E282) compliant with FSSAI for all food applications
- Certificate of Analysis available on request
- Effective mould inhibition with minimal impact on yeast fermentation
- Provides supplementary calcium fortification benefit
- Reliable bulk supply for bakery and animal feed manufacturers
- Export documentation experience for international shipments
