E930 – Calcium peroxide
Flour bleaching agentDescription
White to yellowish solid
Notes
Calcium peroxide is a white to slightly yellowish powder that's created by combining calcium compounds with hydrogen peroxide through a controlled chemical reaction. Think of it as a specialized form of calcium that releases oxygen when it comes into contact with moisture. It's manufactured in industrial facilities where calcium hydroxide (lime) is treated with hydrogen peroxide under specific conditions to create this stable, oxygen-releasing compound. This additive works as a flour improver and dough conditioner, meaning it helps make bread and baked goods better in texture and volume. When bakers mix it into flour, the calcium peroxide releases oxygen that strengthens the gluten network in dough, resulting in bread that rises better and has a finer crumb structure. You'll typically find it used in commercial bread production, pizza dough, and other wheat-based products where a consistent, high-quality texture is important. Calcium peroxide is a synthetic additive, created through industrial processes rather than extracted from natural sources. It's suitable for vegetarians and vegans since it contains no animal-derived ingredients, and it doesn't present concerns for most religious dietary laws. The compound is regulated as safe for use in food production, though it's primarily used in commercial baking rather than home cooking, so most consumers won't encounter it directly in their kitchens.