# Potassium Sulfate (E515)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E515
**CAS number:** 7778-80-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Potassium sulfate is an inorganic salt commonly used in food production as a flavor enhancer and processing aid. It functions to improve taste profiles and support fermentation and malting processes in beverage and grain-based food manufacturing.

## 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 Sulfate?

Potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄), also known as potassium sulphate, is an inorganic chemical compound with CAS number 7778-80-5. It is a white crystalline solid that occurs naturally in mineral deposits and is manufactured through various chemical processes. The compound is soluble in water and has been used in industrial and food applications for centuries. Potassium sulfate contains two essential nutrients—potassium and sulfate—making it distinct from purely synthetic additives.

## Common Uses

In food production, potassium sulfate serves multiple functions. As a flavor enhancer and flavoring agent adjuvant, it contributes to taste development and flavor profile enhancement in processed foods and beverages. The compound is particularly utilized in malting and fermentation processes, where it supports yeast metabolism and fermentation efficiency in beer brewing, wine production, and other fermented food manufacturing. Its role in these applications helps optimize the biochemical processes that generate desired flavors and textures.

Potassium sulfate is also used in food processing as a processing aid and nutrient supplement. Because it provides bioavailable potassium, a mineral essential for human health, its use in food products can contribute to dietary potassium intake when present in significant quantities.

## Safety Assessment

Potassium sulfate has an established history of safe use in food applications across multiple countries. The compound is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in certain jurisdictions and has been used in food production for decades without documented adverse health effects attributable to its food additive use.

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) contains zero reported adverse events associated with potassium sulfate as a food additive. Additionally, the FDA has recorded zero recalls involving potassium sulfate as a causative agent, indicating no documented food safety incidents requiring market withdrawal.

Toxicological studies on potassium sulfate demonstrate low acute toxicity. The compound is readily absorbed and excreted by the body, with potassium being an essential nutrient and sulfate being a naturally occurring compound processed through normal metabolic pathways. Long-term safety data supports its use at levels present in food applications.

Individuals with specific medical conditions requiring potassium restriction (such as certain kidney diseases or those taking specific medications) should consult healthcare providers regarding potassium-containing food additives, though potassium sulfate at typical food additive levels represents minimal dietary impact compared to natural food sources.

## Regulatory Status

Potassium sulfate does not hold FDA GRAS designation, though it is permitted in food production under FDA regulations for specific applications. It is approved for use in various food categories as a processing aid and flavoring adjuvant where it does not exceed levels necessary to achieve its intended function.

In the European Union, potassium sulfate is listed as an approved food additive in various categories and is subject to EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) regulatory oversight. Its use is permitted in specified food categories at defined maximum levels.

The regulatory status varies by country and application, with some jurisdictions permitting its use broadly while others restrict it to specific food categories. Manufacturers must comply with local regulations regarding maximum permitted levels and labeling requirements.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on potassium sulfate in food applications remains limited, as the compound has a long history of safe use reducing the necessity for extensive modern study. Available toxicological data shows no genotoxic or carcinogenic potential. Research on fermentation processes demonstrates potassium sulfate's effectiveness as a malting and fermentation aid, with documented improvements in yeast viability and fermentation efficiency in brewing applications.

The compound's role as a nutrient source has been evaluated in agricultural contexts, with extensive research confirming potassium sulfate's bioavailability and nutritional value.

## Brands using Potassium Sulfate

- Canada Dry (3 products)
- Bob's (1 product)
- Kroger (1 product)
- Pueblo Lindo (1 product)
- Schweppes (1 product)

## 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 Sulfate (E515) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/potassium-sulfate. Accessed 2026-05-20.