E551 SILICON DIOXIDE

E551 Silicon Dioxide is an inorganic material used in food and beverage applications primarily as an anti-caking agent, carrier, and processing aid, and E551 Silicon Dioxide is valued for high surface area, strong moisture adsorption, and flow improvement in powdered products.
E551 Silicon Dioxide helps keep powders free-flowing by reducing moisture-related clumping and improving particle separation, and E551 Silicon Dioxide is widely used in salt, seasonings, spice blends, powdered flavors, powdered beverages, and dry mix systems where caking control is required.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is typically supplied as a white, free-flowing powder, and E551 Silicon Dioxide performance depends on surface area, particle size, structure type (precipitated, fumed, or hydrated forms), dosage, and the moisture load of the finished product and packaging environment.

CAS Number: 7631-86-9
EC Number: 231-545-4
Molecular Formula: SiO2
Molecular Weight: 60.08 g/mol

Synonyms: E551 Silicon Dioxide, Silicon Dioxide, Silica, Amorphous Silica, Precipitated Silica, Fumed Silica (food grade), Hydrated Silica, Silicon Dioxide Food Grade, Anti-Caking Agent E551, Silica Flow Agent, SiO2, E551, E551 Silicon Dioxide, Silicon Dioxide, Silica, SiO2, Silicon(IV) Oxide, Silicic Anhydride, Silica Dioxide, Silica Powder, Amorphous Silica, Synthetic Amorphous Silica, Precipitated Silica, Fumed Silica, Pyrogenic Silica, Colloidal Silica, Hydrated Silica, Anhydrous Silica, Food Grade Silicon Dioxide, E551 Silica, E551 Anticaking Agent, Silicon Dioxide Food Additive, Silicon Dioxide Anticaking Agent, Silicon Dioxide Flow Agent, Silicon Dioxide Carrier, Silicon Dioxide Excipient, Pharmaceutical Silicon Dioxide, Industrial Silicon Dioxide, Cosmetic Grade Silicon Dioxide, High Purity Silicon Dioxide, Micronized Silicon Dioxide, Fine Silicon Dioxide Powder, Silicon Dioxide Powder, Silica Gel, Silica Aerogel, Quartz Silica, Crystalline Silica, Amorphous Silicon Dioxide, Silicon Dioxide Nanopowder, Silicon Dioxide Particles, Silicon Dioxide Granules, Silicon Dioxide Reagent, Silicon Dioxide USP, Silicon Dioxide EP, Silicon Dioxide FCC, Silica Food Grade, Silica Anticaking Agent, Silica Flow Aid, Silica Carrier Agent, Silica Excipient, Silica Additive, Synthetic Silica

APPLICATIONS

E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in table salt and industrial salt to prevent caking and maintain free-flowing behavior during storage.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is incorporated into salt blends to improve pourability under humid conditions.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in reduced-sodium salt mixes to support consistent dosing and flow.

E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in seasoning blends to reduce moisture-induced clumping and improve uniform dispersion of spices.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is incorporated into powdered flavor systems to maintain free-flow and prevent hard lumps.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in dry soup mixes to improve powder handling and consistent portioning.

E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in spice blends to reduce caking and improve shaker performance in consumer packaging.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is incorporated into chili, curry, and savory spice mixes to stabilize flow during shelf life.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in garlic and onion powders to reduce clumping caused by hygroscopic components.

E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in powdered cheese seasonings to maintain flow and reduce compaction in packaging.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is incorporated into snack seasoning systems to improve processing and reduce buildup in dosing equipment.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in popcorn seasoning to maintain pourability and improve adhesion behavior in compatible designs.

E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in powdered beverage mixes in selected applications to support free-flowing behavior and reduce caking risk.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is incorporated into instant drink powders where moisture control supports stable shelf life.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in dry nutritional mixes in selected applications to improve handling and reduce segregation risk.

E551 Silicon Dioxide is used as a carrier for flavors and actives in selected applications where adsorption onto a high-surface-area silica improves dosing control.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is incorporated into encapsulated flavor powders to support flow and reduce oil-related clumping.
E551 Silicon Dioxide is used in vitamin and mineral premixes to improve flow and reduce bridging in hoppers.

E551 Silicon Dioxide is valued because E551 Silicon Dioxide provides strong anti-caking performance and powder flow improvement at low use levels, supporting dosing accuracy, processing efficiency, and shelf life stability in many dry food systems.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in spice blends to prevent caking during storage.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports uniform dosing in manufacturing and consumer use.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps maintain consistent texture and pourability.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in salt and flavored salt products as a flow aid.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports stable pouring in humid environments.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce bridging and hardening in salt shakers.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in powdered sugar and sweetener blends to reduce lump formation.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports improved handling in packaging and processing.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps maintain powder appearance and dispersion.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in instant beverage powders to improve flow and prevent caking.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports stable mixing and dosing of drink mixes.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce moisture-driven agglomeration in storage.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in creamers and powdered dairy products to improve powder flow.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports reduced clumping in coffee creamer powders.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps maintain consistent spoonability and reconstitution behavior.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in powdered soup mixes to improve flow and reduce bridging in hoppers.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports more consistent filling operations.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce downtime caused by powder handling problems.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in bakery premixes to improve processing and prevent caking in storage.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports uniform mixing in flour-based blends.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps maintain consistent dosing of minor ingredients.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in powdered flavors and encapsulated aroma powders to improve flow properties.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports reduced stickiness of hygroscopic flavor powders.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps maintain stable powder handling during blending.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in dry seasoning packets for instant foods to ensure stable powder release.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports reduced caking in small sachets.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve consumer experience by preventing hard lumps.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in powdered cheese flavors to reduce agglomeration during storage.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports better distribution on snack surfaces.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve flow in seasoning application equipment.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in snack seasoning application to improve powder dispersion and reduce clumping in feeders.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports consistent seasoning coverage on chips and extrudates.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce feeder blockages and process variability.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in functional food powders containing minerals and vitamins to improve flow.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports better uniformity in nutrient premixes.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce segregation by improving powder handling characteristics.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in dietary supplement powders to reduce caking and improve scoopability.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports stable handling of amino acid and protein powders.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve packaging speed and filling consistency.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in tablet manufacturing as a glidant to improve powder flow.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports uniform die filling during compression.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce tablet weight variation in production.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in capsule filling to improve flow of blends and reduce sticking.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports improved filling accuracy in encapsulation lines.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce equipment fouling from sticky powders.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used as a carrier for liquid flavors and oils to create free-flowing powders.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports adsorption of oils onto high surface area particles.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps convert liquids into dry powders for easier dosing.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in spray-dried flavor and fragrance powders as a flow and anti-caking aid.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports reduced stickiness and improved powder stability.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve yield in powder drying and collection.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in cosmetics as a thickening and sensory modifier in some formulations.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports oil absorption and matte finish in skin products.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve slip and soft-focus effect in cosmetics.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in personal care powders to improve feel and reduce tackiness.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports silky texture in body powders.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve moisture control in some powder products.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in anti-perspirant and deodorant powders to improve flow and reduce caking.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports better dispersion of actives in powder blends.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce clumping in aerosol or loose powder systems.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in toothpaste as a mild abrasive and thickener in many formulations.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports cleaning performance and stain removal.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps provide desired viscosity and texture in toothpaste.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in oral care gels to control rheology and improve stability.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports thickening without heavy polymer load in some systems.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve product consistency and squeeze behavior.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in paints and coatings as a matting agent and rheology modifier in some formulations.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports reduced gloss and improved scratch resistance in some coatings.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps control sag and improve thixotropy in some systems.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in inks to control viscosity and improve print performance in some formulations.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports improved anti-settling behavior for pigments.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve rub resistance and surface feel in some inks.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in adhesives and sealants as a reinforcing filler and rheology modifier.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports improved viscosity control and reduced slump.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve mechanical strength in some cured systems.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in silicone rubbers as a reinforcing filler to improve strength.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports improved tear resistance and modulus in elastomers.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve durability of silicone rubber parts.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in elastomer compounding as a filler to improve reinforcement in some formulations.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports improved abrasion resistance in some rubber products.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps tailor hardness and mechanical performance.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in plastics as a filler to improve stiffness and dimensional stability in some applications.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports reduced shrinkage in molded parts.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve scratch resistance in some plastic articles.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in polishing and surface finishing as a mild abrasive in some applications.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports controlled polishing action on various surfaces.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve surface smoothness in finishing processes.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in chromatography as silica gel stationary phase material.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports separation and purification in laboratory and industrial chromatography.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps enable consistent adsorption-based separations.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used as a desiccant component in some packaging systems to manage moisture.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports protection of moisture-sensitive products in storage.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce humidity-related clumping and degradation.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in food processing to improve powder handling in bulk storage silos.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports reduced arching and ratholing in hoppers.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps improve discharge consistency in pneumatic conveying systems.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in quality control programs to standardize flow properties of powders.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports adjustment of angle of repose and flow index in powder blends.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps ensure consistent manufacturing performance across batches.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in product development to optimize anti-caking performance in hygroscopic powders.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports screening of different silica grades for best flow.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps balance flow improvement with dusting control.

E551 Silicon dioxide is used in manufacturing troubleshooting to reduce bridging, sticking, and clumping in powder lines.
E551 Silicon dioxide supports improved process stability during humid conditions.
E551 Silicon dioxide helps reduce downtime caused by hopper blockages.

DESCRIPTION

E551 Silicon Dioxide in food use is typically amorphous silica rather than crystalline silica, and E551 Silicon Dioxide functions as a physical anti-caking agent by adsorbing moisture and separating powder particles.
E551 Silicon Dioxide can be produced as precipitated silica, fumed silica, or hydrated silica, and different structures provide different surface areas and flow performance in specific powder systems.
E551 Silicon Dioxide works by reducing surface moisture and improving powder particle mobility, and E551 Silicon Dioxide remains as an insoluble dispersed solid in the final product.

E551 Silicon Dioxide is typically used at low levels, and dosage must be optimized to balance flow improvement with appearance and mouthfeel considerations in the final product.
E551 Silicon Dioxide should be used according to applicable food additive regulations and good manufacturing practices for the target market.
E551 Silicon Dioxide should be handled with dust control practices because fine silica powders can become airborne during transfer and blending.

E551 Silicon Dioxide is stable under typical storage conditions, but E551 Silicon Dioxide can pick up moisture from the environment, so packaging moisture barrier performance affects long-term stability.
E551 Silicon Dioxide should be stored in tightly closed containers in a dry place to preserve adsorption capacity.
E551 Silicon Dioxide should be kept away from strong acids and fluorides that can react with silica under specific conditions.

E551 Silicon dioxide is a form of silicon dioxide used as a food additive primarily for anti-caking and flow improvement.
E551 Silicon dioxide is typically supplied as a white, fine powder and may be produced as precipitated silica, fumed silica, or silica gel depending on grade.
E551 Silicon dioxide has high surface area that allows adsorption of moisture and oils, which supports anti-caking and carrier functions.

E551 Silicon dioxide is widely used in powdered foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical solids to improve flow and prevent clumping.
E551 Silicon dioxide is also used in cosmetics, toothpaste, coatings, elastomers, and plastics as a filler, thickener, or rheology modifier.
E551 Silicon dioxide performance depends on particle size, surface treatment, bulk density, and the specific formulation environment.

E551 Silicon dioxide should be stored in tightly closed containers in a dry place to prevent moisture pickup and to maintain free-flowing behavior.
E551 Silicon dioxide is valued for strong anti-caking performance, chemical inertness, and broad usefulness across food and industrial applications.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: SiO2
Molecular Weight: 60.08 g/mol
Common Name: E551 Silicon Dioxide
Chemical Type: Inorganic material; anti-caking agent; carrier; processing aid
Appearance: White, free-flowing powder
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Neutral at typical use levels
Solubility: Insoluble in water; dispersible as a solid
Surface Area: High; grade dependent; drives anti-caking performance
Bulk Density: Low to moderate; grade dependent
Particle Size: Fine; grade dependent; affects flow and dusting
Stability: Stable under dry storage; adsorption capacity reduced if pre-saturated with moisture
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed, dry
Shelf Life: Typically 24–60 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during powder handling and use dust control.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care as needed.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses for bulk handling.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Use closed transfer or local exhaust to minimize airborne dust during dosing and mixing.

Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust where dust may be generated during powder transfer.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from moisture to preserve adsorption capacity and prevent caking of the additive itself.
Keep away from strong acids and incompatible chemicals.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep up spilled powder and avoid dust generation.
Collect into suitable containers for reuse or disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues with water if needed and dry the area to prevent slip hazards.

Handling Precautions:
Optimize dosage because E551 Silicon Dioxide strongly affects flow and excessive levels can influence appearance or mouthfeel in some powdered foods.
Control moisture exposure because E551 Silicon Dioxide works by adsorption and can lose effectiveness if it absorbs moisture before use.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable anti-caking performance.