Potassium chloride
Learn what Potassium chloride (E508) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Generally recognized as safeWhat is Potassium chloride?
Food additive with stabilizing, thickening, and salt-replacing properties. It is used in the amounts prescribed by recipes in dairy products, cheeses, milk-based desserts, ice cream, emulsified fats, vegetable, fruit, meat, fish, egg products, cereals, pasta, dough, pastries, confectionery, bakery items, sauces, condiments, salads, soups, broths, dietary supplements, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as in all sodium-free or salt-free dietary products. It is also used as a carrier for other additives.
Why is Potassium chloride added to food?
Potassium chloride (E508) is a hardening agent commonly found in: Dairy products, ice cream, margarine.
Permitted quantity: There is no limit on the daily intake.
Is Potassium chloride safe?
Generally recognized as safe
No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
Is Potassium chloride banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Potassium chloride okay for kids?
Not permitted in foods intended for infants and small children.
Common foods that contain Potassium chloride
- Dairy products
- ice cream
- margarine
See the full list of foods that contain Potassium chloride →
How to spot Potassium chloride on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E508
- Potassium chloride
Common misspellings to watch for:
- potas$ium chloride
- potassium chloride
- potasslum chloride
- potdssium chloride
- pota$sium chloride
- potassium chlorlde
- dotassium chloride
- potassium ehloride
Better alternatives
• People with kidney problems should avoid products containing potassium chloride, as excess potassium can put additional strain on the kidneys. • People on diuretic treatments or with heart conditions should be cautious, as high potassium levels can lead to electrolyte imbalances and heart rhythm issues. • Long-term use of potassium chloride in large amounts can lead to hyperkalemia (excessive potassium levels in the blood), which can be dangerous and affect normal heart and muscle function. • It is also recommended to avoid using this additive in combination with other potassium supplements or medications containing potassium to prevent overdose. • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before consuming products containing potassium chloride to prevent potential risks to their health and the health of the child.
Also known as
- potas$ium chloride
- potassium chloride
- potasslum chloride
- potdssium chloride
- pota$sium chloride
- potassium chlorlde
- dotassium chloride
- potassium ehloride
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Potassium chloride? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E508 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Potassium chloride
- Is Potassium chloride safe to eat?
- No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
- Is Potassium chloride banned anywhere?
- Potassium chloride is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Potassium chloride safe for children?
- Not permitted in foods intended for infants and small children.
- How do I spot Potassium chloride on a food label?
- Look for E508, Potassium chloride in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: potas$ium chloride, potassium chloride, potasslum chloride.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.