E518 – Magnesium sulfate
StabiliserDescription
Inorganic salt (MgSO₄) used as a firming agent, pH regulator, and nutrient source. It is a white, crystalline solid commonly employed in brewing, mineral water fortification, and as a coagulant in tofu production.
Notes
Magnesium sulfate is an inorganic salt that's essentially the same compound as Epsom salt - the stuff you might add to a relaxing bath. It's made by combining magnesium (a naturally occurring mineral) with sulfuric acid, or it can be extracted from natural mineral deposits. The result is small, white crystals that dissolve easily in water. In food production, magnesium sulfate serves as both a firming agent and a nutrient source. As a firming agent, it helps maintain the structure and texture of processed foods, keeping them from becoming mushy or falling apart. You'll commonly find it in tofu, where it acts as a coagulant to help form the curds, and in some processed vegetables and brewing applications where it provides essential magnesium nutrients for yeast. This additive is completely synthetic in terms of how it's commercially produced, though the base materials occur naturally. It's suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and all religious dietary requirements since it contains no animal products. Magnesium sulfate is generally recognized as safe, and since magnesium is actually an essential mineral that our bodies need, this additive can even contribute to your daily mineral intake in small amounts.