What Is Calcium Cyclamate?

Calcium cyclamate, a synthetic sweetener, finds regular use in food and beverage production as a low-calorie alternative to sugar. Developed in the twentieth century, it attracted interest among food scientists looking for safer, low glycemic index solutions suitable for diabetics and those looking to cut caloric intake. Its sweetening power reaches up to 50 times that of table sugar, making it useful in products where bulk sweeteners are not practical. Its international trading hinges on the HS Code 2929909090, categorizing it among organic chemical compounds.

Products and Forms

Calcium cyclamate appears in multiple forms depending on the required application: powder, flakes, solid pearls, fine crystals, and even sometimes as part of a liquid solution. The commercial product often takes the shape of white, odorless, free-flowing crystals or a slightly granular powder. These forms show excellent solubility in water, allowing quick integration into drinks or processed foods. Tablet and granular types see use in home sweetener products, while industrial-scale producers opt for bulk crystal or dense powder variants for manufacturing lines.

Molecular Formula and Structure

This compound carries the molecular formula C12H24CaN2O14S2, boasting a calculated molecular weight of roughly 444.54 g/mol. Under a microscope, its crystalline structure looks compact, with regular geometric shapes reflecting light in a characteristic way. It arises from the reaction of cyclamic acid and calcium hydroxide, binding two molecules of cyclamate to one calcium ion. Its chemical name, calcium N-cyclohexylsulfamate, points directly to its origins. The structure enables high water solubility, a trait needed for even dispersion in drinks and syrups.

Material Properties and Specifications

Users describe calcium cyclamate as a substance with a density around 1.6 g/cm³. The sweetener dissolves easily in water at room temperature, with a solubility of up to 160g/liter, giving it broad appeal in cold applications. Boiling and melting points fall above 250°C, ensuring the compound remains unchanged in baked or boiled food products. The physical non-hygroscopic nature keeps storage simple—you won’t see it clumping under ordinary humidity if containers stay sealed. Product specifications often note purity levels above 98%, while regulatory standards require the absence of heavy metals, sulfates, and other contaminants.

Safety, Hazard, and Regulatory Status

Safety assessments of calcium cyclamate have run for decades, given its widespread consumption. Some early studies flagged potential health risks, particularly in large doses, but ongoing research with up-to-date methods continues to refine our perspective. Leading health agencies such as the World Health Organization and food safety authorities in the European Union have set acceptable daily intake levels, typically in the range of 7 mg/kg body weight per day. At normal consumption rates, it poses little direct risk to human health, though children, pregnant women, and individuals with kidney dysfunction should always consult a healthcare provider. Regulatory frameworks require that food-grade calcium cyclamate not exceed limits for impurities and undergo regular quality checking. Transport, handling, and storage involve no special hazards in a typical food production environment, though workers should follow basic chemical safety measures as with any powdered substance.

Solutions and Directions for Responsible Use

Consumers and producers benefit when transparency and oversight govern the market. Labels must not just mention the presence of calcium cyclamate—they should inform about dosage and purpose, with plain guidance for vulnerable populations. Producers can support safe use by sharing certificates of analysis, testing for contaminants, and maintaining reliable records of the raw materials used for each batch. Shelf stability works in calcium cyclamate’s favor, allowing wholesalers and retailers to keep stocks for months without loss of quality. For those looking to replace sugar, using the right balance matters, as overuse could create an undesirable aftertaste or sweetness profile. Continuous investment in testing technology and adherence to national and global standards hold the path to podium-level product trust. With informed handling, the health and culinary benefits of calcium cyclamate remain well within reach, contributing to lower-sugar diets and better options for people around the world.