Calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, has low toxicity and mild basic properties, making it suitable for wide use in the food industry. It is used for:

• Cleaning raw juice of sugarcane or sugar beets in the sugar industry.
• Water treatment for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
• Preserving cucumbers in pickles and other foods.
• Preparation of Chinese "century eggs".
• Preparation of corn tortillas, helps corn flour to bind.
• Cleaning the brine of calcium and magnesium carbonates in the preparation of salt for food and pharmaceutical uses.
• Enhancement in fruit drinks, such as in orange juice and baby foods.
• Aids digestion (choona), used in paan, a mixture of areca nut, calcium hydroxide and seeds wrapped in betel leaves.
• Substitute for baking soda in the preparation of papadam.