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Calcium sorbate

Calcium sorbate suppliers and sourcing guide

Calcium sorbate is the calcium salt of sorbic acid, made by reacting sorbic acid with calcium hydroxide or carbonate and drying the product. It is a white powder that is much less soluble in water than potassium sorbate. It is used as a mold and yeast preservative in some foods, but it is far less common in trade than potassium sorbate or sorbic acid, and few suppliers stock it.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Calcium 2,4-hexadienoate · Sorbic acid calcium salt · CAS 7492-55-9
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of calcium sorbate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Powder

    Fine white powder, the usual form, mainly for dry and surface applications.

  • Food grade

    Material sold against food specifications; check that a current specification and documentation exist before qualifying a source.

  • Sorbate alternatives

    Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid are the common sorbates; they are separate ingredients with their own specifications.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Calcium sorbate content, or sorbic acid equivalent, by titration or HPLC.
Loss on drying
Moisture content of the powder.
Aldehydes
Aldehyde limit test, a standard purity check for sorbates.
Calcium content
Calcium by titration or ICP, a check on the salt ratio.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other metals by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) limits.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store calcium sorbate in sealed, opaque containers in a cool, dry place. Sorbates oxidize and discolor with air, light and heat, so keep containers closed. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay and color.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the assay or sorbic acid equivalent for each lot, since the dose of sorbate is usually calculated as sorbic acid. Check color on older lots before use.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Calcium sorbate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking calcium sorbate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell calcium sorbate? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of calcium sorbate can brands buy?

Common forms include powder, food grade and sorbate alternatives. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for calcium sorbate include?

Expect assay, loss on drying, aldehydes, calcium content and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should calcium sorbate be stored?

Store calcium sorbate in sealed, opaque containers in a cool, dry place. Sorbates oxidize and discolor with air, light and heat, so keep containers closed. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay and color.

What is the regulatory status of calcium sorbate?

21 CFR 182.3225 lists calcium sorbate as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes calcium sorbate.

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