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Magnesium chloride

Magnesium chloride suppliers and sourcing guide

Magnesium chloride is a colorless, deliquescent salt that occurs naturally as the mineral bischofite and in seawater and salt-lake brines. Commercial food grades are either recovered from brine by evaporation and crystallization, or made by dissolving magnesium oxide, hydroxide or carbonate in hydrochloric acid and crystallizing the hexahydrate. Brands buy it as hexahydrate flakes or crystals, as a liquid solution, or as nigari for tofu, and use it in electrolyte drinks, mineral drops and capsules.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
MgCl2 · Magnesium chloride hexahydrate · E511 · Nigari · Bischofite
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of magnesium chloride

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

  • Hexahydrate flakes or crystals

    The standard food grade, about 12% magnesium, highly soluble and quick to absorb moisture.

  • Anhydrous

    Water-free grade with more magnesium per gram; less common in food and very hygroscopic.

  • Brine-derived and sea-mineral

    Magnesium chloride recovered from seawater or salt lakes, sometimes sold with other brine salts left in; the full mineral profile should be on the specification.

  • Liquid concentrate

    Aqueous solution at a stated concentration for drops, beverages and tofu making.

  • Nigari

    Brine-derived magnesium chloride sold as a tofu coagulant, with variable purity depending on the producer.

What to check on the COA

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

Assay
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate content by EDTA titration, against a Food Chemicals Codex or USP specification.
Sulfate and ammonium
Limit tests for common process and brine impurities.
Bromide and other brine salts
Bromide, potassium, sodium and calcium for brine-derived grades, where they vary by source.
Lead, arsenic and other metals
Heavy metals by ICP-MS.
Solution concentration
Density or titration for liquid grades, which sets magnesium per milliliter.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Magnesium chloride absorbs moisture from air until it dissolves, so store it in tightly sealed, lined containers in a dry area and reseal opened packs immediately. Liquid grades should be kept closed in compatible plastic containers, since chloride solutions corrode some metals. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification; flakes that have clumped or partly dissolved should be retested for assay.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay, source (brine or synthetic) and, for liquids, concentration for each lot. Brine-derived lots can differ in bromide and other salts, so keep those results with the lot record and rotate stock first-expired, first-out.

Regulatory status

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

  • 21 CFR 184.1426 affirms magnesium chloride as GRAS for use as a flavoring agent and adjuvant and as a nutrient supplement, and allows its use in infant formula.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 7 CFR 205.605(a) lists magnesium chloride among the nonsynthetic substances allowed in or on processed products labeled organic.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists magnesium chloride and magnesium chloride, hexahydrate among the source ingredients for magnesium (Table 2).

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

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.

Magnesium chloride suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking magnesium chloride 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 magnesium chloride? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of magnesium chloride can brands buy?

Common forms include hexahydrate flakes or crystals, anhydrous, brine-derived and sea-mineral, liquid concentrate and nigari. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for magnesium chloride include?

Expect assay, sulfate and ammonium, bromide and other brine salts, lead, arsenic and other metals and solution concentration, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should magnesium chloride be stored?

Magnesium chloride absorbs moisture from air until it dissolves, so store it in tightly sealed, lined containers in a dry area and reseal opened packs immediately. Liquid grades should be kept closed in compatible plastic containers, since chloride solutions corrode some metals. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification; flakes that have clumped or partly dissolved should be retested for assay.

What is the regulatory status of magnesium chloride?

21 CFR 184.1426 affirms magnesium chloride as GRAS for use as a flavoring agent and adjuvant and as a nutrient supplement, and allows its use in infant formula. 7 CFR 205.605(a) lists magnesium chloride among the nonsynthetic substances allowed in or on processed products labeled organic. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists magnesium chloride and magnesium chloride, hexahydrate among the source ingredients for magnesium (Table 2).

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