Comparing E508 - Potassium chloride vs E509 - Calcium chloride
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 33 products
Found in 104 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
What is potassium chloride used for?
In foods, E508 is used as a sodium‑reducing salt substitute and flavoring agent, and it can help with preservation and texture in products like cured meats, brines, and some gels/dairy.
Is potassium chloride good for you?
It can help lower sodium intake and adds potassium, but typical food amounts are small and it isn’t a health supplement; benefits depend on your diet and health status.
Is potassium chloride safe?
Yes—it's approved/GRAS and considered safe at normal food-use levels; people with kidney problems or on potassium‑raising drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium‑sparing diuretics) should be cautious with high‑potassium salt substitutes.
Is potassium chloride bad for you?
Not for most people at food levels, but excessive intake can raise blood potassium (hyperkalemia) and upset the stomach, especially in those with kidney or heart disease or on certain medications.
Is potassium chloride a salt?
Yes—it's an inorganic salt (KCl), often used as a substitute for table salt (sodium chloride).
Is calcium chloride safe?
Yes—calcium chloride (E509) is approved for use in foods and is generally recognized as safe at typical levels; concentrated solutions can irritate the mouth or stomach, so it’s used in small, regulated amounts.
Is calcium chloride bad for you?
Not at normal food-use levels; it supplies calcium and chloride and is not considered harmful when used as intended. Large amounts or non–food-grade products (like de-icers) can cause irritation or electrolyte disturbances.
Is calcium chloride safe for pets?
In small, food-grade amounts used in pet foods it’s generally safe. Exposure to de-icing products containing calcium chloride can irritate paws and the GI tract—rinse paws and contact a vet if a pet ingests a significant amount.
What is calcium chloride used for?
In foods it’s used as a firming agent and stabilizer (e.g., in canned vegetables and pickles), a coagulant in tofu/cheese making, and to adjust mineral content in brewing and beverages. Beyond food, it’s used for de-icing and as a desiccant.
What is calcium chloride in food?
It’s a mineral salt additive (E509) used as a firming agent, stabiliser, and coagulant to help maintain texture in products like canned tomatoes, pickles, tofu, and cheese, and it can also provide electrolytes in some drinks.