Ammonium hydroxide
Learn what Ammonium hydroxide (E527) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Ammonium hydroxide?
A food additive used as an acidity regulator. It is used in the quantities specified in recipes for dairy products, cheese, puddings, condensed or powdered milk, butter, and dehydrated whey products. It is also used in spreadable fats, various emulsions, sweet creams, ice cream, processed and preserved fruits, vegetable products, meat, fish, eggs, soups, broths, sauces, salads, bakery products, pastries and confectionery, pre-cooked rice and pasta, spices, dietary supplements, diet products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, etc.
Why is Ammonium hydroxide added to food?
Ammonium hydroxide (E527) is a acidity regulator commonly found in: Spreadable fats, various emulsions.
Permitted quantity: There is no daily limit for consumption.
Is Ammonium hydroxide safe?
Low concern
No side effects have been reported at the amounts used in food products.
Is Ammonium hydroxide banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Ammonium hydroxide okay for kids?
It is allowed in cereal products intended for infants and young children, in the amounts specified by recipes.
Common foods that contain Ammonium hydroxide
- Spreadable fats
- various emulsions
See the full list of foods that contain Ammonium hydroxide →
How to spot Ammonium hydroxide on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E527
- Ammonium hydroxide
Common misspellings to watch for:
- ammonium hydroxide
- ammonium hydroxlde
- dmmonium hydroxide
- ammonlum hydroxide
Better alternatives
• People with kidney issues should avoid using ammonium hydroxide, as it may interfere with the elimination of substances from the body and worsen kidney function. • Not recommended for individuals with liver conditions or ammonia metabolism problems, as it may cause ammonia buildup in the blood. • Excessive use may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. • Avoid using in combination with medications that affect ammonia metabolism or those that interfere with liver function.
Also known as
- ammonium hydroxide
- ammonium hydroxlde
- dmmonium hydroxide
- ammonlum hydroxide
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Ammonium hydroxide? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E527 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Ammonium hydroxide
- Is Ammonium hydroxide safe to eat?
- No side effects have been reported at the amounts used in food products.
- Is Ammonium hydroxide banned anywhere?
- Ammonium hydroxide is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Ammonium hydroxide safe for children?
- It is allowed in cereal products intended for infants and young children, in the amounts specified by recipes.
- How do I spot Ammonium hydroxide on a food label?
- Look for E527, Ammonium hydroxide in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: ammonium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxlde, dmmonium hydroxide.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.