Silicon Dioxide in Food: What It Is & Why It's Used

Silicon dioxide is also known as silica, and it's essentially sand! But don't worry, it's not the kind of sand you find at the beach. This type of silica is a fine, powdery substance that's used as an additive in many different types of food.

It's an anti-caking agent, which means it helps to prevent foods from clumping together. You can find it in things like powdered sugar, baking powder, spices, and cheese. It can also be used as a filtering agent, so you might find it in wine, beer, and other beverages.

Silicon dioxide is also used in some vitamins and mineral supplements, as it can help to improve the bioavailability of certain nutrients. It's generally considered safe to consume, and there are no known health risks associated with its use in food.