Analysis of Calcium Lactate in Cheeze Its White Cheddar Snack Crackers

Calcium lactate is a compound formed by lactic acid and calcium carbonate. It is often used in food products as a firming agent, thickener, flavor enhancer, and leavening agent. Many cheese products, including snack crackers like Cheeze Its, also use calcium lactate to improve texture and extend shelf life. When considering the nutritional value of calcium lactate, this ingredient does contribute a considerable amount of calcium. Calcium is an essential micronutrient that aids in nerve transmission, muscle function, and the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Adults are generally recommended to consume around 1000-1300mg of calcium per day, and a diet deficient in calcium can lead to diseases such as osteoporosis. Therefore, in terms of boosting calcium intake, the presence of calcium lactate in Cheeze Its could be seen as beneficial. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that calcium lactate only contains about 13% of elemental calcium, meaning it is a relatively low-potency source. Also, along with the calcium, Cheeze Its are high in sodium, unhealthy fats and lack fiber, therefore, they can't be considered a healthy snack option. In terms of health implications, calcium lactate is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration. Some studies suggest that consuming too much of it might lead to hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by excessive calcium in the blood. However, the amount of calcium lactate in foods like Cheeze Its is typically far below levels that could cause this condition. In conclusion, while calcium lactate might contribute some calcium to the diet, this doesn't offset the overall nutritional profile of Cheeze Its, which contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats and lack fiber. Therefore, it's not advisable to rely on such snacks for your calcium needs. Based on nutritional value and potential health implications, is the score for Calcium Lactate's nutritional value in Cheeze Its. The scoring is low mainly due to the overall nutritional composition of the snack which is high in unhealthy fats and sodium.