Calcium carbonate particles: Template-driven structural design and functional innovation applications in food systems

Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) has long been recognized as a significant inorganic mineral in both biological and geological systems. Recently, the application of CaCO₃ in the food industry has rapidly expanded. However, there is a lack of systematic understanding regarding the roles of CaCO₃ in various food systems. This review revisits cases of CaCO₃ application in food systems over the past five years to provide insights into its use. The key findings and conclusions are as follows: the controlled synthesis of CaCO₃ is influenced by several factors. In various food systems, CaCO₃ plays multiple roles. It functions as a sacrificial template for the fabrication of micro/nano-spheres/capsules capable of delivering nutrients, as inorganic particles stabilizing Pickering emulsions, and as a filler in film and hydrogel systems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the applications of CaCO₃ in food systems, and guide future research directions, and industrial applications.