Potassium carbonates
Learn what Potassium carbonates (E501) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Generally recognized as safeWhat is Potassium carbonates?
Food additive used as a stabilizer and acidity regulator, obtained from salt or seawater. It is also used as a support for other additives. It is added in the quantities specified in recipes for dairy products, cheeses, milk-based desserts, ice cream, spreadable emulsified fats, vegetable, fruit, meat, fish, egg products, cereals, pasta, dough, bakery products, confectionery, sauces, condiments, salads, soups, dietary products, nutritional supplements, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, etc.
Why is Potassium carbonates added to food?
Potassium carbonates (E501) is a stabilizer commonly found in: Sauces, spices.
Permitted quantity: No daily intake limit.
Is Potassium carbonates safe?
Generally recognized as safe
No secondary effects have been reported at the quantities incorporated in food.
Is Potassium carbonates banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Potassium carbonates okay for kids?
It is also used in cereal-based foods intended for healthy infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Potassium carbonates
- Sauces
- spices
See the full list of foods that contain Potassium carbonates →
How to spot Potassium carbonates on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E501
- Potassium carbonates
Common misspellings to watch for:
- potassium cdrbonates
- potasslum carbonates
- dotassium carbonates
- potassium earbonates
- potassium carbondtes
- potassium carbonate$
- pota$sium carbonates
- potassium carbonates
- potas$ium carbonates
- potdssium carbonates
Better alternatives
• People with kidney insufficiency or renal conditions should consult a doctor before consuming products containing potassium carbonates, as excess potassium can cause health problems. • People following a potassium-restricted diet or undergoing treatment with medications that affect potassium levels (such as diuretics) should avoid products containing this additive. • People with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood) should avoid consuming this additive.
Also known as
- potassium cdrbonates
- potasslum carbonates
- dotassium carbonates
- potassium earbonates
- potassium carbondtes
- potassium carbonate$
- pota$sium carbonates
- potassium carbonates
- potas$ium carbonates
- potdssium carbonates
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Potassium carbonates? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E501 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Potassium carbonates
- Is Potassium carbonates safe to eat?
- No secondary effects have been reported at the quantities incorporated in food.
- Is Potassium carbonates banned anywhere?
- Potassium carbonates is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Potassium carbonates safe for children?
- It is also used in cereal-based foods intended for healthy infants and young children.
- How do I spot Potassium carbonates on a food label?
- Look for E501, Potassium carbonates in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: potassium cdrbonates, potasslum carbonates, dotassium carbonates.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.