E508: Potassium chloride

What is E508?

E508 is potassium chloride, a mineral salt made of potassium and chloride. It looks like table salt and tastes salty, but with a slightly bitter or metallic note at higher concentrations.

Origin and production

Potassium chloride is mined from natural deposits such as sylvite and potash ores or recovered from salt lakes and brines. It is then purified for food use.

Why is it used?

Its most common role is as a partial salt substitute, helping manufacturers lower sodium content while keeping a salty taste. It is used in instant noodles, crisps and corn chips, puffed snacks and dried soups, and also serves as a gelling aid with carrageenan and as a potassium source.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

E508 is mineral in origin and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It raises no particular halal or kosher concerns.

Safety and regulation

Potassium chloride is authorised as a food additive in the European Union and widely permitted elsewhere. EFSA identified a risk of exceeding the acceptable daily intake for some population groups, and people with kidney disease or on certain medications that affect potassium levels are often advised by doctors to watch potassium intake.

Common in