Core Function of E551 – How Food Grade Silica Safeguards Food Quality

Core Function of E551 – How Food Grade Silica Safeguards Food Quality

The core value of food grade silica (E551) lies in solving the "caking problem", thanks to its high specific surface area and porous structure. With a surface area of hundreds of square meters per gram, it rapidly absorbs free moisture in food, reducing inter-particle adhesion.

In practical applications, E551 is widely used in various foods: in flavors & fragrances, it ensures uniform powder dispersion and accurate dosing; in coffee powder and cocoa powder, it enhances fluidity to avoid clumping during brewing; in salt, sugar, and protein powder, it extends shelf life and maintains stable product form. More importantly, E551 features stable chemical properties, does not react with food ingredients, and is indigestible by the human body—excreted intact through metabolism. Used in strict compliance with international standards (≤2% of food weight), it is a "quality guardian" for food processing and storage.