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E261AcidulantLow concern
Potassium Acetate
In plain words
The short version
The potassium salt of acetic acid — sodium-free buffer and pickle preservative.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe. Acetate is a normal endogenous metabolite. Potassium load is the practical concern in patients with impaired renal function.
The detail
Produced by neutralizing acetic acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. Hygroscopic in the anhydrous form; usually supplied as the more stable trihydrate.
The sodium-free alternative to sodium acetate (E262) — used in low-sodium pickles, deli meats, and fortified beverages where reducing sodium budget is a priority. Also a clinical electrolyte for potassium replacement.
White hygroscopic crystals or powder. Very soluble in water. Mildly basic solution.
Permitted globally without restrictive limits.
Sources
- JECFA — Potassium acetate (INS 261(i)), evaluation 1973, ADI maintained 1997 — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO), 1973. Safety: no numerical ADI needed
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 — Union list of food additives, Part C Group I — Publications Office of the European Union, 2011. EU: Group I additive at quantum satis
- FDA — Substances Added to Food inventory: Potassium acetate — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026. US listing (flavoring agent, 21 CFR 172.515)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.