E555

Potassium aluminium silicate

Moderate risk synthetic

Aluminium-based carrier (pearlescent colors).

Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes

What it is

E555 is an anti-caking agent, but it is uniquely famous for being the mineral base (mica) used to carry pearlescent food pigments (like titanium dioxide) to create shiny, metallic effects on chocolates and cakes.

How it is used in food

Creates the shimmer under pearlescent cake decorations.

Commonly found in

Carrier for pearlescent pigments on chocolates and pastries
Table salt and spices (as anti-caking agent)

Health and safety

Flagged for the same aluminium-accumulation reason as its siblings.

During its re-evaluation, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded there was not enough toxicological data to establish an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for E555. Furthermore, its use as a pigment carrier could theoretically cause consumers to exceed the safe Tolerable Weekly Intake for aluminium.

Potential for excessive aluminium exposure

general population · evidence: suspected

Like all aluminium additives, there is a risk of neurotoxicity if total dietary exposure exceeds the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) of 1 mg/kg bw.

EFSA re-evaluation of aluminium silicates

Monitored for metal exposure.

Regulatory status

Region	Status	Notes
Australia & New Zealand FSANZ	Permitted	Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union EFSA / European Commission	Permitted	Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration)	Permitted	Approved for specific uses.

Identification on labels

E-number: E555

Also printed asMica · Potassium aluminum silicate

How it is made

Derived from naturally occurring mica minerals, which are purified and milled.

Mining and Milling — Mica minerals are mined, purified, and ground into fine powders.

Worth knowing

Natural mica.

Conclusion

Often found in decorative, shiny confectioneries, E555 presents potential aluminium exposure risks and lacks comprehensive safety data.

References

EFSA re-evaluation of aluminium silicates — EFSA

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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