Why is silicon dioxide in my food?

This week, I’m going to share food ingredient terminology that you probably glance at it but don’t know its purpose in your chosen item.

Silicon dioxide is often seen on the label and is usually towards the end of the label list because it is used as a processing aid in most cases—remember, the ingredients at the end of a label are typically in the lowest amount in the product). What does that mean? Well, if you picked up your favorite protein powder for example and it was clumpy and you couldn’t pour it out, you probably wouldn’t be happy! For this reason, silicon dioxide (aka silica) is added to the product to prevent clumping. Silicon dioxide is used as an anti-caking ingredient so that you have flowing powder.

Next time, you wonder why silica or silicon dioxide is in the package, remember without it you might not have flowing powder!