Potassium hydrogen carbonate (E501(ii))
- Food Fine
What is Potassium hydrogen carbonate (E501(ii))?
Potassium bicarbonate (E501) is a raising agent and acidity regulator, sometimes used instead of baking soda to cut sodium. Normal amounts are not a concern. It's fine for most people; if you have kidney disease or take medicines that raise potassium, count it as extra potassium.
What is Yasno’s verdict on Potassium hydrogen carbonate?
Yasno’s verdict on Potassium hydrogen carbonate: Fine. No meaningful concern at normal amounts.
Is Potassium hydrogen carbonate allowed in the EU?
EU status of Potassium hydrogen carbonate: Permitted as a food additive. Conditions and limits come from the regulation cited below. Yasno summarises them and does not replace the legal text.
| Where | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Permitted as a food additive | Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS, a US regulatory category) |
What else is it called?
- Potassium bicarbonate
- Potassium hydrogencarbonate
- Potassium acid carbonate
Sources
- EU Food Additives Register — POL-FAD-IMPORT-3362, European Commission (DG SANTE), 2011
- Potassium hydrogen carbonate, JECFA, 1965
Always check the physical label. Yasno describes evidence and regulatory status. It never says a product is free of an allergen or safe for you, and it is not medical advice.
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