About Food Grade Magnesium Carbonate
Food grade magnesium carbonate is a fine, white, light magnesium carbonate powder used by food ingredient manufacturers as an anti-caking agent, flow aid and carrier. Its low bulk density and porous particles absorb moisture and oils at the surface of other powders, helping to keep them free-flowing in storage and through dosing equipment.
Typical uses include table salt, icing sugar, powdered seasonings and drink powders, subject to local food regulations. It is also used as a carrier for flavours and colours, and as an alkaline ingredient that can adjust acidity in some formulations. Permitted uses and maximum levels differ by country and food category, so buyers should verify the regulatory position in each market before use, including any labelling requirements that apply to the finished product.
Obsidian Minerals produces this grade in Gujarat with controls on assay, calcium, acid-insoluble matter and iron. E504 conforming grades are available on request, and customers should confirm that the documentation matches the specification their market applies. Each batch is tested in an NABL-accredited laboratory and shipped with an MSDS/SDS, Technical Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis. Samples are available so your QA team can complete its own evaluation before approving the material as an ingredient.
Typical specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (as MgO) | 40.0–43.5 % | Internal method (titration) |
| Calcium as CaO | ≤ 0.6 % | Internal method |
| Acid-insoluble matter | ≤ 0.05 % | Internal method |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 200 mg/kg | Internal method |
| Bulk density (loose) | 0.10–0.20 g/cm³ | Internal method |
| Passing 75 µm sieve | ≥ 99 % | Internal method |
| Heavy metals | As per the applicable specification, on request | — |
| Appearance | White, odourless, light powder | Visual |
Typical values for guidance only. Guaranteed limits are stated on the Technical Data Sheet and batch CoA. Customers should verify suitability and regulatory compliance for their intended food use.
Key features & benefits
Anti-caking action
Food grade magnesium carbonate has porous, low-density particles that absorb surface moisture and separate host particles, helping salt, sugar and seasoning powders resist lumping during storage and dosing.
Carrier for flavours and colours
High absorbency lets the powder take up liquid flavours, oils and colours and hold them as a dry, free-flowing premix, which simplifies weighing and handling in blending operations.
Controlled purity profile
Assay, calcium, acid-insoluble matter and iron are monitored batch by batch, giving QA teams documented data to compare against their own ingredient specification and supplier approval criteria.
White, odourless powder
At typical anti-caking levels the white, odourless powder has little visible effect on light-coloured foods, which makes it practical for salt, icing sugar and pale seasoning blends.
Regulatory-aware supply
E504 conforming grades are available on request. Customers should confirm permitted uses, maximum levels and labelling requirements in every market where the finished product will be sold.
Applications
Table and speciality salt
Used as an anti-caking agent in table salt and salt blends, subject to local regulatory approval, to help maintain free flow in humid conditions, shakers and dispensers.
Icing sugar and dusting powders
Added at low levels to powdered sugar and dusting powders to reduce lumping and bridging in silos, hoppers and retail packs, where permitted by applicable food law.
Seasonings and drink powders
Acts as a flow aid in dry seasoning blends, soup powders and beverage mixes, helping uniform dosing on packing lines; suitability for each recipe should be verified by the formulator.
Flavour and colour premixes
Serves as an absorbent carrier that converts liquid flavourings and colour preparations into dry premixes for easier storage, weighing and dispersion in finished food formulations.
Usage & handling
- Typical anti-caking levels are low, commonly below 2 % of the host powder; use the lowest effective level within the limit permitted for your product category.
- Add the powder to the dry host material in a ribbon or paddle mixer and blend until uniform.
- Store sealed in a clean, dry, odour-free area, as the absorbent powder can take up humidity and odours.
- Handle under the hygiene controls of your food safety management system and follow the SDS for dust control.
Packaging & supply
- 25 kg HDPE or paper bags
- 1 MT or 1.2 MT jumbo bags on request
- Private-label packaging on request
Frequently asked questions
Which specification does your food grade magnesium carbonate meet?
Typical values are shown on this page and guaranteed limits on the Technical Data Sheet. E504 conforming grades are available on request. Please send your own ingredient specification, or the standard your market applies, and we will confirm which grade and documents we can supply before you place an order. Customers should verify regulatory suitability for their market.
What is food grade magnesium carbonate used for?
It is used as an anti-caking agent, flow aid, carrier and acidity regulator in products such as table salt, icing sugar, seasonings and drink powders. Permitted uses and maximum levels vary between countries and food categories, so manufacturers should confirm the regulatory status for each product and market before using it in production.
Why is light magnesium carbonate used for anti-caking?
Light magnesium carbonate has a very low bulk density and a porous particle structure. A small addition spreads over the surface of host particles, absorbs moisture and keeps them apart, which reduces caking and bridging. Heavy grades are denser and less absorbent, so they are generally less efficient for anti-caking duty in food powders.
How should food grade magnesium carbonate be stored?
Keep bags sealed in a clean, dry area away from odorous materials, chemicals and direct moisture. Because the powder is absorbent, it can pick up humidity and odours if left open. Reseal part-used bags, keep them off the floor on pallets and use stock in date order, within the shelf life stated on the Technical Data Sheet.
Can I request a food grade sample before ordering?
Yes. Samples are available so your QA and R&D teams can test flow, dispersion and conformity with your ingredient specification. Tell us the intended application, target market and expected annual quantity, and we will send the sample together with the Technical Data Sheet and a representative Certificate of Analysis.