# Potassium Palmitate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/potassium-palmitate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/potassium-palmitate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 2624-31-9
**Category:** emulsifier
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Potassium palmitate is a salt form of palmitic acid that functions as an emulsifier and anti-caking agent in food products. It helps maintain texture and prevent clumping in dry food formulations while improving mixing properties in emulsified products.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Potassium Palmitate?

Potassium palmitate (CAS Number: 2624-31-9) is an organic salt derived from palmitic acid, a naturally occurring saturated fatty acid found in many plant and animal sources. This additive consists of potassium combined with palmitate, creating a compound that functions as both an emulsifier and anti-caking agent. The chemical structure allows it to interact with both water and fat-based ingredients, making it useful in food formulations requiring stable texture and uniform distribution.

## Common Uses

Potassium palmitate serves multiple functions in food manufacturing. As an anti-caking agent, it prevents clumping and maintains free-flowing properties in powdered and granulated products such as spice blends, salt mixtures, and dry food preparations. In its emulsifier capacity, it helps stabilize products containing both aqueous and lipid phases, improving texture consistency and shelf stability. The additive also functions as a formulation aid, assisting manufacturers in achieving desired product characteristics during processing and storage. It is particularly useful in applications where conventional emulsifiers may not be suitable or where specific functional properties are required.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Potassium Palmitate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/potassium-palmitate. Accessed 2026-05-20.