Calcium chloride

Calcium chloride is a salt, chemical formula CaCl2, widely used as a general purpose food additive. Its applications include flavour and texture preservation in pickles, where it keeps cucumbers crisp by strengthening pectin in cell walls, use as a firming agent in canned fruits and vegetables, and as a source of calcium for forming calcium alginate gels. In cheesemaking it restores the calcium balance of pasteurized milk to improve curd formation, and in brewing it adjusts water mineral content. It dissolves readily and is used at low, regulated levels.