Comparing E525 - Potassium hydroxide vs E501I - Potassium carbonate

Overview

E525 - Potassium hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide (E525) is a strong alkaline ingredient used to control acidity in foods. In tiny, carefully measured amounts it helps keep products stable in taste, color, and texture, and it can also be used to help peel some fruits and vegetables during processing. It’s sometimes listed on labels as potassium hydroxide or E525.

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E501I - Potassium carbonate

Potassium carbonate (E501i) is an alkaline salt used to control acidity and stabilize foods. You’ll most often see it in alkalized cocoa and some noodle products, where it helps shape color, flavor, and texture. It’s permitted in both the U.S. and EU when used as intended in food.

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Synonyms
E525
Potassium hydroxide
E501i
Potassium carbonate
Functions
acidity regulator
acidity regulatorraising agent
Origins
Synthetic
Mineral
Plant
Synthetic
Products

Found in 11 products

Found in 619 products

Search rank & volume
#9621.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#12612K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×192.66
over-aware

×2.82
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

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Popular questions

  1. Is potassium hydroxide a strong base?

    Yes—potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a prototypical strong base that fully dissociates in water and is highly caustic in concentrated form.

  2. What is potassium hydroxide used for?

    In foods (E525) it’s used as an acidity/pH regulator and processing aid, e.g., for lye peeling of fruits and vegetables, curing olives, and in some cocoa and caramel color processing.

  3. Is potassium hydroxide safe?

    Yes—at permitted food-use levels it’s considered safe (GRAS in the U.S. and authorized in the EU); concentrated solutions are corrosive and must be handled carefully.

  4. What is the formula for potassium hydroxide?

    KOH.

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  1. Is potassium carbonate soluble?

    Yes—it's highly soluble in water and deliquescent. It is insoluble in ethanol.

  2. Is potassium carbonate soluble in water?

    Yes, it dissolves readily in water to form a strongly alkaline solution.

  3. What is potassium carbonate used for?

    In foods, E501(i) is used as a stabiliser and acidity regulator/buffer, and as a leavening aid in some baked goods and alkaline-processed foods like certain noodles and cocoa. It’s also used industrially in making glass and soap.

  4. Is potassium carbonate dangerous?

    At approved food-use levels it’s considered safe, but the solid and concentrated solutions are strongly alkaline and can irritate or burn skin and eyes. Those with kidney disease or on potassium‑sparing medications should avoid excessive potassium intake.

  5. How to make potassium carbonate?

    Industrial production absorbs carbon dioxide into potassium hydroxide solution to form K2CO3; historically it was obtained from leached wood ashes. For food use, only purchase certified food‑grade material—home production isn’t recommended.

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