7) CALCIUM STEARATE IN FOODS: VEGAN, BY JEANNE YACOUBOU, MS
By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS
Introduction
Calcium stearate is an anticaking agent used in a wide variety of foods including
salt, spices, confections, snack products and dry mixes. The VRG noticed while
doing a Spring 2015 update on stearic acid and its derivatives that several
websites and books list calcium stearate as being primarily derived from cows
or pigs. When we discovered from food ingredient manufacturers and suppliers
that most calcium stearate used today in food products is from vegetable oils,
we decided to check food labels and contact food companies to confirm if the
calcium stearate present today in foods was indeed mostly or even solely vegetable-derived.
To accomplish this, we made extensive use of the Internet for locating edible
products containing calcium stearate. Google® images of nutrition and supplement
labels listed thousands of mostly pharmaceutical products. We went through
the pages excluding supplements and any foods containing meat and/or dairy.
An immediate observation we made while searching for calcium stearate-containing
foods was that very few products today contain calcium stearate unlike twenty
years ago when it was more common. There are many substitute ingredients available
today to take its place in foods such as silicon dioxide. (Calcium stearate,
magnesium stearate as well as stearic acid are more commonly included today
in dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals serving as binders or lubricants.
Recent VRG research on the latter two ingredients also shows that for food
and drug uses today, magnesium stearate and stearic acid are vegetable-derived
in most cases we could find.)
Here is a list of food products containing calcium stearate. In every case,
the VRG was told by company employees in May-July 2015 that their calcium
stearate was vegetable-derived. Below the list are more details from the phone
conversations and email exchanges we had while researching each product.
(We've included Tums® products here because they are commonly used.)
Foods That Contain Vegan Calcium Stearate
- Glutino's® Strawberry Breakfast Bars
- Dutch Foods® Baked Potato Crisps (ketchup flavor), Salt-n-Vinegar Chips, Rip-L Chips
- Rainy Day Foods®Applesauce
- Lawry's® Asian Ginger, Garlic & Chile Rub
- Fiesta Spices® products
- Cookies Food Products® Flavor Enhancer & All-Purpose Seasoning
- Also Salt®
- Sencha Naturals® Green Tea Mints
- IceChips® Candy
- Barkley's® mints
- Smarties® candy
- Tum's®
Food Products
The VRG discovered that Tastefully Simple® sells a dry mix called Jalapeno
Popper Warm Dip Mix containing calcium stearate but was unable to find out
ingredient source information from the website.
[ https://www.tastefullysimple.com/shop-our-products/jalapeno-popper-warm-dip-mix-762605 ]
We were told on the phone by one company representative that "we need a doctor's
note before our vendor will release source information." When we replied that
our ingredient inquiry was based on ethical reasons as vegans and not any
specific health reasons, the representative only repeated her company's policy
about receiving a doctor's note before any ingredient information beyond what
is on a label could be given to consumers.
The Glutino consumer response team initially replied by email that the calcium
stearate in their Strawberry Breakfast Bars "is sourced from apple powder."
The VRG found this response puzzling given that neither calcium nor stearic
acid (from which calcium stearate is formed) is typically derived from apples
on a commercial basis nor are they major constituents of apples. We asked
Glutino to check with their food technologists to confirm.
A few days later The VRG received a call and an email from Glutino apologizing
for their error. They wrote:
The calcium stearate used in our Glutino Breakfast Bars is [from] a vegetable
source. Since it can be a combination of vegetable oils, we do not have the
specific ingredient, but it is definitely a plant-based ingredient. So sorry
for any confusion in our previous answer.
In early July 2015 The VRG noticed that calcium stearate was no longer listed
in the ingredients statement for the bars.
[
http://www.glutino.com/products/bars/strawberry-breakfast-bars/ ]
Some Dutch Foods snack products contain calcium stearate including the Baked
Potato Crisps (ketchup flavor), Salt 'n Vinegar Chips and Rip-L Potato Chips.
We called them and were informed on the phone that the "calcium stearate in
all products containing calcium stearate is vegetable-derived from corn or canola".
Rainy Day Foods sells an applesauce that has calcium stearate listed on its
ingredient label.[ http://rainydayfoods.com/applesauce-35lb.html ]
A Rainy
Day Foods employee contacted their supplier, Tree Top®, who sent a Vegan/Vegetarian
Statement about this product:
Dried apples, formulated fruit preps, fruit purees and concentrates are made
from wholesome fruit, and do not contain any dairy or animal products. These
products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
No beef or animal by-products are used in the processing or production of
these products.
Spices and Salt
We contacted McCormick's about their Lawry's Asian Ginger, Garlic & Chile
Rub.
[ http://www.mccormickforchefs.com/en/Products/Brands/Lawrys/Lawrys-Asian-Ginger-Garlic-and-Chile-Rub ]
When we initially wrote to them through their website contact form we received
this email response from a consumer affairs specialist:
The calcium stearate in our Lawry's Asian Ginger, Garlic and Chile Rub is
used as an anti-caking agent used for free flowing. It is an additive that
makes ingredients blend well together. The main sources it would be derived
from are mineral, vegetable or animal.
When we asked if the natural flavors in this product were animal-derived we
received this response:
I am sorry, but that information is proprietary. Please be advised this product
is not considered vegan. Natural flavors are flavors extracted from natural
sources - from the rind, juice, leaves, roots or bark of fruits, herbs and
spices. The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil,
oleoresin, essence or extractives.
The VRG called McCormick's for clarification and more information. We spoke
with one other consumer affairs specialist on two occasions. During those
conversations we learned that there were three different suppliers for the
calcium stearate in Lawry's Asian Ginger, Garlic & Chile Rub. All three had
been contacted about their ingredient source. We were informed by email that
Lawry's Asian Ginger, Garlic & Chile Rub contains no animal products and the
calcium stearate listed on the ingredient statement is vegetable- based.
The Food Safety Manager at Bolner's Fiesta Products® responded to our request
for information about the calcium stearate in several of their products. [
https://www.fiestaspices.com/"); ?> He assured us on the phone that the calcium
stearate in their products was derived "from a vegetable source." The VRG
asked if he knew which vegetable source was used. The Food Safety Manager
checked with his supplier and called us back within minutes to inform us that
their "calcium stearate is derived from palm oil." He also asked if we'd like
a complete list and so assembled the following for us:
- Brisket Rub
- Carne Guisada
- Chili Mix
- All of the Fajita Seasonings
- Game Fish Seasoning
- Garlic Salt
- Garlic Pepper
- Jerky Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper (both salt and NS)
- Meat Tenderizer
- Onion Salt
- Pico de Gallo Con Limon
- Spanish Rice
- Texas Style Steak
- Seasoning Salt
- Season-it-All
- Chipotle Hamburger
The Food Safety Manager of Fiesta Products added: "Many of our blended items
will have calcium stearate or silicon dioxide to be used to help prevent clumping."
Cookies Food Products Flavor Enhancer & All-Purpose Seasoning contains calcium
stearate.
[ http://store.cookiesbbq.com/store/pc/Flavor-Enhancer-All-Purpose-Seasoning-8-oz-6p35.htm ]
We called Cookies about their ingredient source and an employee followed
up by email: "Just received word that the calcium stearate is from a vegetable
source."
The salt substitute Also Salt contains calcium stearate.
[ http://www.alsosalt.com/nutritionfacts.html ]
We received an email reply to our inquiry about its source and were informed
it's a "plant source."
Confections
Sencha Naturals sells Green Tea Mints containing calcium stearate.
[ http://www.senchanaturals.com/collections/6pack-canisters/products/green-tea-mints-sen-cha-original-6-pack-of-canisters ]
We requested source information by email and received this reply:
Our calcium stearate in our green tea mints is not from an animal source.
Our calcium stearate is plant-based and our mints are vegan.
The VRG spoke with a representative of Ice Chips Candy about the calcium stearate
in their products. Initially we were told that their calcium stearate was
"...from a local winery...a by-product of grape processing."
[ http://www.icechipscandy.com/ ]
Doubtful that calcium stearate came from wine processing, the VRG requested
that Ice Chips contact the winery for confirmation that it was the calcium
stearate that was derived from wine processing and not something such as tartaric
acid or cream of tartar which may be derived from wine processing.
We received this email reply from Ice Chips:
I just spoke with one of the Grannies that formulated the Ice Chips.
I apologize for giving you incorrect information, but the calcium stearate
is not a product of wine-making (that would be the cream of tartar).
She did not have the exact source we get those from handy, but did assure
me that both ingredients have been tested and checked, and are completely
vegan. That's actually something that the FDA allowed us to keep on our tins
after double checking our sources.
There are "natural flavors" listed on the Ice Candy tins. The same company
representative informed us by email that
...all of our flavors are plant-based. We do list "vegan" on every flavor
except the three that contain milk.
All of our flavor concentrates/oils are made specially for us by Nature's
Flavors®.
[ http://www.naturesflavors.com/ ]
Barkley's Mints is the only product the VRG has seen thus far on the market
that explicitly states the source of the calcium stearate used in their products
on the product label. In parentheses after "calcium stearate" appears "vegetable
based." [ http://www.barkleys.ca/mints/ ]
Smarties candy contains calcium stearate. On the company website there is
a vegan declaration:
[ http://www.smarties.com/product/vegan/ ]
Smarties ingredients contain no animal products...Our Smarties products are
entirely free of meat, fish, dairy and eggs. You can rest
assured that the calcium stearate is plant derived, and that no animal products
were used in the processing of our candy's ingredients...
There are some products with the Smarties brand that are not manufactured
by Smarties Candy Company. We recommend always checking a product's ingredients
prior to purchase. Additionally, if the UPC number on the packaging begins
with "0 11206", you can be assured that the product is vegan and manufactured
in a facility that makes solely vegan products.
Supplements
Many Tums products contain either calcium stearate or magnesium stearate.
[ https://www.tums.com/products/ ]
We spoke with a product specialist who
informed us that there are "no animal derivatives in Tums...magnesium stearate
and calcium stearate are not of animal origin..."
Here is a list of Tums products containing calcium or magnesium stearate:
- Tums Freshers -cool mint and spearmint flavors
- Tums Extra Strength Sugar-Free
- Tums Smoothies -assorted fruit; assorted tropical fruit; berry fushion; peppermint flavors
- Tums Kids
Tums' product specialist pointed out that one Tums product contains a dairy
ingredient: Tums Chewy Delights. This is stated on labels.
Conclusion
This list of foods containing calcium stearate is probably not exhaustive.
It is representative of the types of food products that calcium stearate could
be found in today. Since The VRG could not find even one animal-derived calcium
stearate-containing food product and considering what ingredient manufacturers
and suppliers had told us, we consider this a vegan ingredient noted with
the caveat that although it is theoretically possible that calcium stearate
for food use could be derived from lard or tallow, it is not so on a commercial
basis in 2015. For more discussion and support of this classification see
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/05/06/anti-caking-agents-including-calcium-and-magnesium-stearate-non-animal-according-to-us-industry/ ]
Animal fat-based calcium stearate does have wide applications in several non-food
related industries today including the cosmetics, plastics & rubber, paint
& coatings, construction and paper industries although some companies have
expressed concern over the safety of animal-derived ingredients.
For a historical overview:
[ http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/alwayssomethingnew/Animal32.pdf ]
For more recent information:
- [ http://www.genengnews.com/gen-articles/animal-derived-agents-in-disposable-systems/1090/ ]
- [ http://www.doverchem.com/Portals/0/Stearate%20BSE-TSE%20Statement.pdf ]
- (Dover's site concerns non-food uses only.)
- [ http://www.peter-greven.de/en/food-additives/ ]
- [ http://www2.mallinckrodt.com/active_pharmaceutical_ingredients/stearates/ ]
- (ingredient source listed by clicking on number before chemical name under
list titled "Stearates Products")
The contents of this posting, our website and our other publications, including
Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical
advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend
on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible
to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different
views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether
a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation
on your own.
To support The Vegetarian Resource Group research, donate at:
[ http://www.vrg.org/member/donate_buttons.php ]
Join at:
[ http://www.vrg.org/party/index.php ]
9) VRG VEGAN RESTAURANT GATHERING - NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015
SITAR INDIAN RESTAURANT
Network with Vegetarian Resource Group staff, volunteers,
and other dietitians from around the country during the
annual meeting of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Dietitians, VRG members, students, and the public are invited.
Location is near the Lowes Vanderbilt, a FNCE (conference) hotel.
BUFFET MENU:
- Samosa (potato and pea turnover)
- Salad
- Papadum (thin and crispy lentil crackers)
- Roti (whole wheat bread)
- Chutney
- Rice, Tea
- Yellow Dal (lentils)
- Chana Masala (chickpeas)
- Baingan Bhurtha (eggplant)
- Bhindi Masala (okra)
- Vegetable Patia (fresh vegetables with sweet and sour mangoes)
- Fruit
PRICE INCLUDING TAX AND TIP
Payment before September 5, 2015: $25
$30 after September 5, 2015.
Refunds only made if we can replace your seat.
To pay, send to
The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203
Call (410) 366-8343 Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, or go to
www.vrg.org/donate and write in the comments,
"Nashville Indian dinner" and names of attendees.
10) ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP
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Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2015 The contents of this newsletter,
and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended
to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from
a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient
information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about
a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can
be made. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable
for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.
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