Is e318 vegan?

E318 is the E-number for calcium erythorbate, a food additive used primarily as an antioxidant and color stabilizer. It is the calcium salt of erythorbic acid, an isomer of vitamin C. Manufacturers produce calcium erythorbate commercially by fermenting plant starches, typically derived from corn, wheat, or sugar beets, using microbial cultures. The resulting erythorbic acid is then reacted with a mineral calcium source, such as calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate, to yield the final salt. It is used in processed foods, preserved vegetables, cured fish, and beverages to prevent oxidation and maintain product color.

E318 is vegan because its production uses only plant-based, microbial, and mineral inputs. No animal ingredients, animal tissues, or animal-derived processing aids are involved at any stage of manufacturing. Because calcium erythorbate does not have an animal origin, food products containing this additive are fully compatible with a vegan diet.