Is e302 vegan?

E302 is the code for calcium ascorbate, the calcium salt of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C. It acts primarily as an antioxidant and preservative, protecting foods from discoloration and spoilage caused by oxidation. It is frequently added to canned vegetables, processed fruit products, baked goods, breakfast cereals, and non-alcoholic beverages.

The additive is produced industrially by neutralizing ascorbic acid with a mineral base, typically calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. Ascorbic acid is manufactured through the bacterial fermentation of glucose derived from plant starches such as corn, followed by chemical refinement. The calcium compounds used in the reaction are obtained from natural mineral deposits, such as mined limestone.

Calcium ascorbate is considered vegan because its production relies entirely on plant, microbial, and mineral raw materials. No animal-derived inputs, animal tissues, or animal enzymes are involved in the synthesis or processing of E302.