Potassium hydroxide
Learn what Potassium hydroxide (E525) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Potassium hydroxide?
A food additive used as an acidity regulator, stabilizer, and thickening (binding) agent. It is used in the quantities specified in recipes for dairy products, cheese, puddings, condensed or powdered milk, 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 Potassium hydroxide added to food?
Potassium hydroxide (E525) is a acidity regulator commonly found in: Cheese, dairy products, powdered milk, margarine.
Permitted quantity: There is no daily limit for consumption.
Is Potassium hydroxide safe?
Low concern
No side effects have been reported at the amounts used in food products.
Is Potassium hydroxide banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Potassium 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 Potassium hydroxide
- Cheese
- dairy products
- powdered milk
- margarine
See the full list of foods that contain Potassium hydroxide →
How to spot Potassium hydroxide on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E525
- Potassium hydroxide
Common misspellings to watch for:
- potassium hydroxlde
- pota$sium hydroxide
- potas$ium hydroxide
- potasslum hydroxide
- potdssium hydroxide
- potassium hydroxide
- dotassium hydroxide
Better alternatives
• People with kidney conditions should avoid using potassium hydroxide, as it can lead to potassium buildup in the body, causing hyperkalemia, and impair kidney function. • Not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, as high levels of potassium can lead to arrhythmias or other cardiac issues. • Excessive use may result in potassium poisoning symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and heart rhythm disturbances. • Avoid using in combination with medications that affect potassium metabolism or potassium-sparing diuretics.
Also known as
- potassium hydroxlde
- pota$sium hydroxide
- potas$ium hydroxide
- potasslum hydroxide
- potdssium hydroxide
- potassium hydroxide
- dotassium hydroxide
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Potassium hydroxide? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E525 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Potassium hydroxide
- Is Potassium hydroxide safe to eat?
- No side effects have been reported at the amounts used in food products.
- Is Potassium hydroxide banned anywhere?
- Potassium hydroxide is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Potassium 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 Potassium hydroxide on a food label?
- Look for E525, Potassium hydroxide in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: potassium hydroxlde, pota$sium hydroxide, potas$ium hydroxide.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.