Is Calcium Lactate (E327) Vegan?

Also known as: Calcium dilactate, Calcium 2-hydroxypropanoate, INS 327

Related additives: Lactic acid (E270), Calcium carbonate (E170), Sodium lactate (E325)

Vegan

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

Calcium lactate is vegan. It is lactic acid fermented from plant sugar and neutralized with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate. The salt is not a milk ingredient and carries no milk protein.

What is Calcium Lactate?

Calcium lactate is the calcium salt of lactic acid, a white powder that dissolves in water. US rules list it as a firming agent, nutrient supplement, stabilizer and thickener.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Vegan

E-Number

E327

Also Known As

Calcium dilactate; Calcium 2-hydroxypropanoate; INS 327

Source

Producers neutralize fermented lactic acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate. Calcium lactate also forms in the fermentation vessel itself, where lime or chalk holds the pH steady while bacteria turn plant sugar into lactic acid.

Commonly Found In

In the EU a Group I additive permitted at quantum satis in most processed foods; it firms canned fruit and vegetables and adds calcium.

Additional Notes

Labels read E327 or calcium lactate and name neither the sugar nor the calcium source. A USDA report lists whey among possible fermentation sugars, so a supplier's vegan statement settles a dairy-sugar case.

Frequently asked questions

Is calcium lactate dairy?

No. It is a calcium salt of lactic acid and carries no milk protein. An EFSA feed-additive opinion describes it as lactic acid neutralized with calcium hydroxide.