Potassium Acetate

About This Product

Potassium acetate is the potassium salt of acetic acid, formula C2H3KO2, with CAS number 127-08-2 and the European additive number E261. It is supplied as a white, strongly deliquescent crystalline powder or as a solution, and is very soluble in water, giving a mildly alkaline reaction.

In food it works as an acidity regulator and preservative. The acetate ion carries the antimicrobial activity, most effective in acidic conditions where a proportion exists as undissociated acetic acid that can cross microbial membranes; it is used particularly against Listeria in ready-to-eat meats, where acetate and diacetate blends are standard. The potassium ion is the reason for choosing this salt over sodium acetate. Reformulating to reduce sodium removes both the preservative and the flavour contribution of salt, and potassium acetate restores antimicrobial protection without adding sodium, while contributing potassium as a nutrient. Its deliquescence is the main handling constraint: it must be stored sealed and dry or it will absorb atmospheric moisture and liquefy.

It is used in ready-to-eat meat and poultry, in reduced-sodium products generally, as a buffer in sauces, dressings and canned goods, and in pet food.

Bio Green Foods supplies food-grade potassium acetate to specification on assay, pH, loss on drying, chlorides, sulphates and heavy metals.