Magnesium silicates
A safe, inert mineral used to stop powder clumping.
- Category
- Anti-caking agents
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A group of anti-caking agents that includes synthetic magnesium silicate and naturally occurring talc.
How it is used in food
An inert anti-caking agent that coats powder particles and absorbs moisture, keeping products like table salt, spice mixes and powdered drinks free-flowing.
Commonly found in- Spices
- Table salt
Health and safety
Inert and completely safe for consumption, as it passes straight through the gut.
EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation of silicate additives confirmed that magnesium silicates are essentially unabsorbed, passing through the gut unchanged, with no systemic toxicity at food-use levels. The panel's main request was for better purity specifications (e.g. limits on aluminium and lead impurities), not evidence of harm.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E553
Worth knowing
This E-number family includes talc (E553b) — chemically the same soft mineral used in talcum powder and prized since antiquity for carving, which in food-grade form must be asbestos-free.
Conclusion
A safe, inert mineral used to stop powder clumping.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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