The physicochemical properties of Ca 2+ -treated gellan films plasticized with glycerol were investigated as a function of CaCl 2 concentration (0–20%, w/w) in an aqueous soaking solution. Films were examined based on their mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), swelling index (SI), thickness and opacity. The SI was lower for Ca 2+ -treated films relative to a control, however, above 13% (w/w) CaCl 2 no differences in SI were found. At 13% (w/w) CaCl 2 , tensile and puncture strengths reached a maximum. Tensile elongation, puncture deformation, film thickness and WVP were lower for CaCl 2 -treated films than untreated, however, all increased with CaCl 2 concentration. Opacity of gellan films increased with the Ca 2+ -treatment relative to the untreated film, however declined as CaCl 2 concentration increased. In general, Ca 2+ -treated gellan films were stronger, acted as better water vapor barriers, swelled less when in contact with water, and became less pliable and transparent.