Emulsified calcium carbonate products are a new generation of calcium enhancers with excellent application performance, which are obtained by combining microemulsification technology, microencapsulation technology and surface activation technology. The surface charge of the product is different from that of ordinary calcium carbonate, so the precipitate formed is suspendable and will not block the pipeline equipment during the production process.
There are two types of products. One type of emulsified calcium carbonate is mainly used in solid products such as calcium tablets and nutritional powder. Because it has been emulsified, the bitter taste brought by calcium products is removed, making it more refreshing and conducive to human absorption, which can improve calcium utilization.
The other type of emulsified calcium carbonate is mainly used in liquid products such as dairy products and drinking liquids. It has a better taste and can also increase the calcium content in the product without causing calcium precipitation, improving suspension.
ITEM | CONTROL LIMIT |
Calcium carbonate content % | ≥98.0 |
Calcium content % | ≥38.5 |
Hydrochloric acid insoluble matter % | ≤0.2 |
Loss on drying % | ≤2.0 |
Free alkali content | qualified |
pH | ≥9.0 |
Alkali metal and magnesium content % | ≤1.0 |
Barium content % | ≤0.030 |
Heavy Metals | ≤20ppm |
Arsenic content | ≤3ppm |
• Fine Particle Size: The emulsification process ensures that calcium carbonate particles are evenly dispersed throughout the liquid, which prevents clumping or sedimentation. This uniform dispersion enhances the consistency and functionality of the final product.
• Enhanced Stability: Emulsifiers help stabilize the dispersed calcium carbonate particles in the emulsion, ensuring that the mixture remains homogeneous over time. This stability is particularly important in liquid-based products like beverages and sauces.
• Preventing Sedimentation: One of the main characteristics of emulsified calcium carbonate is its ability to remain suspended in liquid for extended periods. This is particularly beneficial in products where calcium needs to be evenly distributed throughout the product, such as in beverages or liquid supplements.
• Longer Shelf Life: By preventing the calcium carbonate particles from settling at the bottom of the container, emulsified calcium carbonate improves the shelf life and quality consistency of the product.
• Faster Dissolution: Though calcium carbonate is typically insoluble in water, the emulsification process can enhance its apparent solubility, allowing for better interaction with other ingredients in the formulation.
• Increased Reactivity: Due to the smaller particle size and even dispersion, emulsified calcium carbonate reacts more readily with acids or other reactants, which can be useful in certain food processing applications (e.g., pH adjustment or acid neutralization).
• Smooth Texture: In emulsified form, calcium carbonate particles are very fine, which means they do not contribute to a gritty or chalky texture in the final product. This is especially important in beverages and creamy products where mouthfeel is critical.
• Neutral Taste: Emulsified calcium carbonate retains the neutral taste profile of regular calcium carbonate, ensuring that it does not affect the flavor of the food or beverage.
• Improved Functionality: The controlled dispersion and stabilization of calcium carbonate in an emulsion allow for more precise functionality in food products, such as acting as a thickening agent, stabilizer, or anti-caking agent.
• Controlled Calcium Release: In some formulations, emulsified calcium carbonate may allow for more controlled release of calcium during digestion or interaction with other food components, enhancing its effectiveness as a nutrient fortifier.
Emulsified calcium carbonate has several applications in the food and beverage industry due to its functional properties. Below are some of the most common applications:
• Dairy and Non-Dairy Beverages: Emulsified calcium carbonate is commonly used to fortify both dairy and non-dairy beverages with calcium. Its uniform dispersion ensures that the calcium content is evenly distributed, which is critical in beverages like milk, almond milk, soy milk, and fruit juices.
• Smoothies and Protein Shakes: In these products, emulsified calcium carbonate adds nutritional value without affecting the texture or taste. The fine particle size prevents any chalky or gritty texture.
• Liquid Calcium Supplements: Liquid calcium supplements often use emulsified calcium carbonate because of its enhanced suspension and improved absorption properties. The emulsified form ensures that the calcium does not settle at the bottom of the bottle, improving the product’s overall quality.
• Calcium-Enriched Functional Beverages: In functional beverages aimed at improving bone health or other calcium-related benefits, emulsified calcium carbonate is used for its superior stability and bioavailability.
• Calcium-Enriched Sauces and Condiments: In liquid or semi-liquid food products such as sauces, dressings, and gravies, emulsified calcium carbonate can be used to increase calcium content without impacting the product’s viscosity or texture.
• Fortified Dairy Products: It can also be used in dairy-based products like yogurt, cream, and cheese spreads to enhance calcium content while maintaining a smooth texture.