It’s not abnormal to occasionally read a label on a food product that has strange and even unpronounceable ingredients. We trust the companies manufacturing these foods are using products that are safe to ingest. Of course, no one likes looking at an ingredient list and not knowing what on earth they are looking at. Additives, such as silicon dioxide, have been called into question, specifically for those following the Whole30 diet trend. Is silicon dioxide Whole30 friendly?
Yes, Silicon Dioxide is approved for those following the Whole30 diet because it is made of naturally occurring compounds. Despite it being considered a food additive, the Whole30 diet rules do not specify the elimination of this ingredient from the foods that you can consume. The best alternative to Silicon Dioxide that is also Whole30 approved is ZenFuel.
Even though it is Whole30 approved, some die-hard Whole30-ers might disagree. There is a lot of debate on various forums if silicon dioxide should be included in the diet. Let’s take a closer look at what the Whole30 diet and silicon dioxide as a food additive.
Contents
What is The Whole30 Diet?
The Whole30 diet is a 30-day challenge to consume only whole foods and foods with recognizable ingredients. It prohibits the consumption of added sugars (both real and artificial), alcohol, grains, most forms of legumes, dairy, carrageenan, MSG, and sulfates [1].
The goal of the program is to retrain your brain to make better food choices without dieting, frequent weighing or counting calories and most of all, no cheating. It’s described as being a “reset” for your body by replicating a form of elimination diet to help you determine any food sensitivities you may not have even known you had.
The Whole30 diet is made to be followed to the letter for a minimum of 30-days in order to reap the benefits. Once you complete the 30-day elimination phase, you are then to transition into the reintroduction phase, another crucial component. There are specific paths outlined in the program you can take to slowly introduce certain foods and take the time to determine how your body feels after eating them. This can help you determine any potential food sensitivities.
Many participants in the Whole30 program are so happy with their results they repeat it multiple times or extend it to longer periods of time. Some experience weights loss during the program due to the change in their eating habits, however the overall goal is to determine foods that are causing you to feel unwell or that you are sensitive to.
What is Silicon Dioxide?
Silicon dioxide is composed of two minerals, silicone and oxygen. Sometimes referred to as silica, silicon dioxide is an anti-caking agent commonly used in spices and other seasonings, supplements to prevent them from clumping. You can find silicon dioxide naturally in many plants including peppers, beets, and green leafy vegetables as well as drinking water.
Because silicon dioxide is a food additive, concerns have been raised over whether or not people can experience allergic reactions or food sensitivity from it. Although it is not confirmed and more research needs to be done, some might experience sensitivity to this compound.
Since the goal of the Whole30 program is to eliminate foods that might cause potential food sensitivity, many are confused by whether or not silicon dioxide has a place in the diet. Although it is technically not included on their elimination list, it is still considered a food additive commonly found in processed foods.
Is Silicon Dioxide Bad for You?
Because silicon dioxide is a natural compound present in plants and water, numerous research studies have found it to be a safe additive to foods. In fact, silicon dioxide that we consume through food ends up being flushed out by our kidneys [2].
Silicon dioxide is also naturally occurring in sand, quartz, and other types of rock. There is a risk to long-term exposure to silica dust for a form of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease known as silicosis. Similar to the condition known as “popcorn worker’s lung” caused by exposure to high amounts of airborne particles from natural butter flavor, it only poses a risk when inhaled. Those who are most at risk for silicosis including those who work in mining, construction, or sandblasting [3].
Alternatives to Silicon Dioxide
For those looking to avoid foods with added silicon dioxide, there are many alternatives on the market. Some are very similar to silicon dioxide, and some are more naturally made. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular ones.
Nu-Flow
Created by the company RIBUS, Nu-Flow is a new anti-caking, flow-aid that can be used in food products, beverages, and supplements. With rice-based ingredients, it helps to absorb excess moisture and is a good source of dietary fiber that is suitable for those looking to take a “clean-label” approach [4].
Unfortunately, because this alternative contains rice-based ingredients, it is not suitable for those on the Whole30 diet. One of the ingredients listed on their elimination list is grains, including rice.
Ingredients:
- Organic rice hulls (ground)
Nutrition Facts (per 100 grams):
- Calories 16
- Fat 0.4g
- Saturated fat 0.2g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 73g
- Sugar 0.2g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 73g
- Protein 3g
ZenFuel
Made of 70% organic silica from bamboo and 30% plant fibers (lignans), ZenFuel created a natural alternative to silicon dioxide. Because it is organic silica from bamboo, it is thicker in texture than silicon dioxide and is digested faster in the body. This product is a more natural approach to using silicon dioxide and based on its ingredients, it’s a Whole30 friendly option.
Unfortunately, no further information can be found regarding this product and its specific ingredients or nutrition information as it is still being put into production.
Other Common Anti-Caking Agents in Food
Calcium Silicate
Commonly found in table salts, baking powder, and supplements, calcium silicate is typically produced by combining diluted calcium chloride with sodium silicate. Calcium silicate is also largely used in industrial products such as in the insulation in glass or cement building materials [6].
Although a product used in construction projects is not always what we want to be consuming, it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if staying within specific levels. Although it is considered safe, some may be sensitive or allergic to calcium silicate.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories 0
- Fat 0g
- Saturated fat 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Magnesium Carbonate
Similar to calcium silicate, magnesium carbonate is an anti-caking agent that helps to absorb excess water and oil in products. It is most often used in table salts, dry mixes and in icing sugar. In high concentration, magnesium carbonate can inflict a laxative effect. It is also commonly used in antacids and laxatives [7].
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories 0
- Fat 0g
- Saturated fat 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Sodium Aluminosilicate
Often used in table salts, dried whole egg and egg yolks, and grated cheeses, sodium aluminosilicate is another common anti-caking agent used in food products. Although it is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, sodium aluminosilicate has been linked to an increased risk for the development of certain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease [8].
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories 0
- Fat 0g
- Saturated fat 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
What Can You Use at Home as an Anti-Caking Agent?
If looking to find a good anti-caking agent to use at home, ground rice hulls are a great option. These are great for keeping homemade seasoning blends from clumping together. You can also use flour or corn starch as an anti-caking agent depending on what the intended use may be. For example, you can prevent freshly grated cheese from sticking together or clumping by coating it in a small amount of flour.
Bottom Line
When it comes to additives in food and the Whole30 diet, opinions differ largely. Those following the Whole30 diet are permitted to consume foods that utilize silicon dioxide because it is made from natural minerals. However, some may prefer to avoid any additives in their products or may experience sensitivity to certain anti-caking agents.
Most Whole30 approved foods and recipes utilize whole foods therefore it is relatively easy to avoid the use of silicon dioxide if you wanted. Ingredients to be most mindful of when choosing to do this includes spices and table salts as well as processed food products manufactured as “Whole30 Approved.”
Related Questions
Is Silicon Dioxide Gluten-Free?
Yes, silicon dioxide does not contain any gluten and is suitable for those following a gluten-free diet. It is most often added to spices as an anti-caking agent. Spices don’t typically utilize gluten-containing ingredients, but it is best to be vigilant and read labels just in case.
Is Silicon Dioxide Vegan Friendly?
Yes, silicon dioxide is suitable for those following a vegan diet because it is a natural mineral found in the earth, plants, and water. Because it is a food additive, some vegan diets may be against the use of silicon dioxide, however it does not contain any animal products.
Can You Be Allergic to Silicon Dioxide?
There are many individuals who claim to be hypertensive to certain additives, preservatives, and coloring agents in food. If you know that you are sensitive to many additives, you might consider eliminating these foods from your diet to see if you can pinpoint the specific additive causing the reaction.